Pakistan secured a second consecutive major one-day international (ODI) series victory away from home, defeating South Africa by 81 runs at Newlands. This win follows Pakistan’s 2-1 series triumph over Australia last month. Pakistan now leads South Africa 2-0 in the current series with one match remaining.
That’s Pakistan’s third consecutive ODI series win. Previously, they thrashed the Australian side at their home and created history.
Key Performances
Half-centuries from Babar Azam, captain Mohammad Rizwan, and all-rounder Kamran Ghulam propelled Pakistan to 329. South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen led the resistance with 97 runs, but Pakistan’s bowlers ensured a firm grip on the chase. Shaheen Shah Afridi was pivotal, taking three wickets in three overs to dismantle South Africa’s middle-order. Klaasen’s dismissal for 97 left South Africa all out for 248 in the 44th over.
Also Read: Pakistan Ends 28-Year Drought with Historic Win Over Australia at Adelaide Oval
A Winning Momentum
This marks Pakistan’s fifth consecutive bilateral ODI series win, strengthening its preparation for hosting the Champions Trophy in February. The team fielded the same lineup from the three-wicket win earlier in Paarl and batted first after losing both openers in the initial 10 overs. Despite these early losses, Pakistan’s middle order held firm.
Middle Order Resurgence
Rizwan recovered from being struck on the helmet by debutant pacer Kwena Maphaka to build a steady partnership with Babar Azam. The pair contributed 115 runs before Babar fell for 73 off 95 balls, marking his first half-century in any format since May and his first in ODIs in over a year. Rizwan’s knock of 80 off 82 balls ended soon after, caught and bowled by Maphaka.
With Pakistan at 192-4 and 14 overs remaining, Kamran Ghulam took charge. Capitalizing on four dropped catches by South Africa, he smashed a 25-ball half-century, eventually scoring 63 off 32 deliveries. His powerful hitting helped Pakistan add 105 runs in the final 10 overs, exceeding their target of 300.
“Kamran Ghulam’s innings was absolutely fantastic,” Rizwan remarked. “We aimed for 300 but went beyond, thanks to him.”
South Africa’s Efforts Fall Short
Chasing 330, South Africa began strongly with openers Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi. However, spinners Abrar Ahmed and Salman Agha chipped in with key wickets, slowing the scoring and increasing the required run rate.
Klaasen and David Miller briefly revived hopes with a 72-run partnership before Shaheen dismissed Miller for 29. Klaasen battled on but fell three runs short of a century, as Shaheen finished with 4-47 and Naseem Shah contributed 3-37.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s comprehensive performance underscored their growing confidence and depth ahead of hosting the Champions Trophy. With strong contributions from both batters and bowlers, the team demonstrated its capability to thrive under pressure.
