South Africa Crush Pakistan in Second ODI to Level Series
The decisive third and final ODI of the series is scheduled for Saturday at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, where South Africa will aim to seal victory after drawing level in the second match.
Quinton de Kock’s unbeaten century, paired with Nandre Burger’s impressive four-wicket performance, powered South Africa to a dominant eight-wicket win over Pakistan in the second ODI of the three-match contest on Thursday.
Chasing Pakistan’s target of 270, the visitors reached the goal with only two wickets down and 59 balls remaining, leaving Pakistan with little chance of comeback.
Early Momentum and Key Partnerships
South Africa began their innings with confidence, driven by an 81-run opening stand between Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Quinton de Kock. The partnership set a solid base before Mohammad Wasim Jr, returning to Pakistan’s lineup, claimed Pretorius’s wicket in the 12th over.
“Pretorius scored 46 from 40 balls, hitting seven fours and a six.”
Following his dismissal, Tony de Zorzi joined de Kock, and together they built a match-defining 153-run partnership for the second wicket, further strengthening South Africa’s dominance.
“De Zorzi made a brisk 76 off just 63 balls, striking nine fours and three sixes, before being caught at point off Faheem Ashraf in the 35th over.”
Series Outlook
With this emphatic victory, South Africa have evened the series 1-1. Both sides will now prepare for a decisive final showdown at the same venue on Saturday, promising an exciting conclusion to the series.
Author’s Summary
South Africa’s disciplined bowling and de Kock’s masterful century saw them cruise past Pakistan to level the ODI series 1-1, setting up a thrilling final match in Faisalabad.