Pakistan Secures ODI Series Victory Over South Africa With Strong Performance
Pakistan secured an 81-run victory over South Africa in the second ODI, clinching the series 2-0. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan contributed crucial runs, while Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah excelled with the ball. Heinrich Klaasen’s 97 for South Africa was insufficient as they were bowled out for 248.
In a commanding display, Pakistan triumphed over South Africa by 81 runs in the second One-Day International at Newlands, thereby securing an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Key contributions came from veterans Babar Azam, who scored 73, and captain Mohammad Rizwan, who added 80 runs to the total. Their partnership of 115 runs laid a solid foundation for Pakistan’s score, ultimately setting a target of 329 runs, which the home side failed to chase down, collapsing for 248.
Heinrich Klaasen was the standout performer for South Africa, scoring 97 runs in a valiant effort, but the team’s batting could not withstand the impressive bowling from Pakistan’s pacing duo, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. Afridi took four wickets while conceding 47 runs, and Naseem claimed three for 37. The victory marked Pakistan’s fifth consecutive series win and showcased their dominance in the southern hemisphere, following earlier triumphs in Australia and Zimbabwe.
“It is a team game; from beginning to end, all of the guys are involved and contributing,” Rizwan remarked. The two seasoned players, Babar and Rizwan, dominated the innings and were instrumental in steering the team’s performance. Following their dismissals, Kamran Ghulam delivered an explosive finale, launching five sixes in a noteworthy 63 runs from just 32 balls, helping propel Pakistan’s innings in the final overs. “Me and Babar started slowly. We were looking for 300 but we got 320-plus. I have never seen Kamran Ghulam play an innings like that,” Rizwan expressed, reflecting on their batting strategy.
Star debutant Kwena Maphaka managed to secure four wickets but at a cost of 72 runs, a testament to the aggressive batting approach taken by Pakistan in the death overs. Despite the initial promise shown by South Africa’s batsmen, only Klaasen transformed his opportunities into a substantial score, concluding the match caught at deep midwicket.
The second One-Day International (ODI) between Pakistan and South Africa at Newlands was pivotal, with Pakistan aiming to clinch the series following a previous win in the first ODI. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, both seasoned international cricketers, capitalized on their experiences to guide the team towards a formidable score. The match not only highlighted Pakistan’s batting depth but also their bowling strength, as they successfully restricted the South African batting lineup, further solidifying their status as strong contenders in the series. The performances in this match are particularly significant as they underscore the team’s consistency and resilience in international cricket, especially in away matches.
The match concluded with Pakistan asserting their dominance over South Africa, emerging victorious by 81 runs and sealing the series 2-0. The standout performances by Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and the bowlers, particularly Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, exemplified the team’s robust cricketing capabilities. With this win, Pakistan continues to demonstrate their form and consistency as they prepare for the concluding match of the series.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
