Pakistan etched their name in the record books by becoming the first team to win three ODI series in South Africa, following triumphs in 2013-14, 2021, and now in 2024. The visitors showcased their dominance in the second ODI at Newlands, Cape Town, posting a formidable 329, thanks to a stellar batting display led by Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and a blazing cameo from Kamran Ghulam.
Early Jitters and Steady Recovery
After being put in to bat, Pakistan’s innings started on a shaky note as Abdullah Shafique departed for a second-ball duck, edging Marco Jansen to the keeper in the opening over. However, Babar Azam and Saim Ayub stabilized the innings with a cautious 48-run stand, balancing regular boundaries with measured stroke play.
Debutant Kwena Maphaka turned the tide momentarily for South Africa, dismissing Ayub with a steep delivery that was mistimed to the fielder at third. A wicket-maiden to close the Powerplay tilted the momentum towards the hosts, but Pakistan’s senior duo of Babar and Rizwan quickly regained control.
The Babar-Rizwan Show
Babar and Rizwan showcased their mastery with a 115-run stand that kept the scoreboard ticking. Both batters rotated the strike effectively, with Rizwan taking calculated risks. He brought up his half-century in style, dispatching Jansen and Bjorn Fortuin for sixes, while Babar played a steady hand to notch up his fifty.
South Africa, however, struck back, dismissing the set batters in quick succession. Babar fell for a well-made 73, pulling Andile Phehlukwayo to mid-wicket, while Rizwan (80) was undone by Maphaka’s sharp return catch.
Death Overs Carnage by Ghulam
At 192 for 4, Pakistan needed a late surge, and Kamran Ghulam delivered in spectacular fashion. He launched an all-out assault on the South African bowlers, smashing a 32-ball 63, which included massive sixes off Shamsi, Jansen, and Phehlukwayo.
Salman Agha provided crucial support with a brisk 33, while Shaheen Afridi added an entertaining cameo. Despite a flurry of wickets in the last over, Pakistan managed to post a formidable total of 329.
South Africa’s Missed Opportunities
South Africa’s fielding woes played a significant role in Pakistan’s high score. Key catches were dropped, including a crucial chance off Rizwan by Heinrich Klaasen early in his innings and missed opportunities in the death overs. David Miller, however, pulled off a spectacular run-out to dismiss Irfan Khan, showcasing moments of brilliance amidst a lackluster fielding effort.
Bowling Highlights
Debutant Kwena Maphaka impressed with a four-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 4-72. Marco Jansen also picked up three wickets but was expensive, conceding 71 runs.
Brief Scores
Pakistan 329 in 49.5 overs: Mohammad Rizwan 80 (68), Babar Azam 73 (95), Kamran Ghulam 63 (32); Kwena Maphaka 4-72, Marco Jansen 3-71.
South Africa will need a monumental batting effort to chase down the target in what promises to be an exciting second innings.
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