Pakistan sealed the deal with a clinical victory over South Africa in the second ODI

Pakistan defeated South Africa and 81 runs in the second ODI at Newlands to seal the three-match series. Good performance and batting have seen the visitors continue to dominate the theatre, leaving South Africa with plenty to think about in the final match at The Wanderers.

Pakistani star show

Asked to bat first, Pakistan posted a total of 329, thanks to the contributions of key players. Despite losing opener Abdullah Shafique for a duck early on, Pakistan anchored their innings with a 95-ball 73 from Babar Azam. His brilliant bowling, coupled with Mohammad Rizwan’s powerful 80 off 82 balls, laid a solid foundation.

Kamran Ghulam stole the show with a stunning knock of 63 runs off just 32 balls, including 4 fours and 5 sixes. The late shots they fired put Pakistan in a dangerous position.

For South Africa, Kwena Maphaka was the top bowler, taking four wickets for 72 runs. Marco Jansen also impressed with figures of 3/71, while Bjorn Fortuin chipped in with one.

South Africa’s response is failing

In response, South Africa’s chase got off to a shaky start with Temba Bavuma (12) and Tony de Zorzi (34) running out. Heinrich Klaasen was the lone warrior for the Proteas, hitting 97 off 74 balls, including 8 fours and 4 sixes. His devastating knock gave South Africa hope, but lack of support from other batsmen cost them dearly.

David Miller added 29 runs from 39 balls, while Aiden Markram managed 21 from 30. The Proteas were bowled out for 248 runs in just 43.1 overs.

Left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi led Pakistan with four wickets, scoring just 47 runs in his eight overs. Naseem Shah was equally effective, picking up three wickets for 37 runs. Abrar Ahmed delivered the breakthrough in the middle overs, finishing with figures of 2/48, while Agha Salman added a wicket to his name.

Pakistan registered a comprehensive victory over South Africa in Cape Town

Scorecard: https://t.co/JmZtD8q9UH#SAvPAK #ODI #cricket pic.twitter.com/3exwGnC739

– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 20, 2024

Player of the Match

Kamran Ghulam was adjudged the Player of the Match for his batting that put Pakistan in the lead. His ability to accelerate the score in death overs proved to be a game changer.

Series summary

With this victory, Pakistan has taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. They previously won the ODI by three wickets, and now look to the third and final match at the Wanderers Stadium on Sunday, December 22. South Africa will be looking to save some pride, while Pakistan will be looking to complete the sweep.

Pakistan 🇵🇰 in recent ODI Cricket:

5th ODI Series Win over Trott
5th ODI Series Win vs SENA in last 3 and half years
Defending the Champions Trophy #PAKvsSA #PAKVSA #SAVPAK pic.twitter.com/cvAskUdQUJ

– By Layman 🍁 (@FreddieFaizaan) December 20, 2024