South Africa thrash Pakistan by 8 wickets in second ODI

South Africa bounced back in commanding fashion to level the three-match ODI series 1-1, defeating Pakistan by eight wickets in the second match at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium on Thursday night.

Chasing a target of 270, the visitors made light work of Pakistan’s bowling attack, reaching 270 for 2 in just 40.1 overs, with Quinton de Kock starring in a magnificent unbeaten innings of 123 off 119 balls, studded with eight fours and seven sixes.

De Kock was superbly supported by Tony de Zorzi, who smashed a fluent 76 off 63 balls as the pair added 153 runs for the second wicket, effectively taking the game away from Pakistan. The openers had earlier provided a strong platform, with Lhuan-dre Pretorius contributing a brisk 46 off 40 balls before being dismissed by Mohammad Wasim Jr.

Despite several bowling changes and reviews, Pakistan’s attack lacked penetration and control. None of their bowlers could maintain pressure for long as South Africa dominated the scoring throughout.

Pakistan overcome late scare to win first ODI against South Africa

Faheem Ashraf and Wasim took one wicket apiece, but the hosts were never really in the contest once De Kock and de Zorzi settled in.

Pakistan falter after slow start

Earlier, Pakistan struggled to find fluency with the bat and could only manage 269 for 9 in their 50 overs — a total that ultimately proved below par on a batting-friendly surface.

Left-arm quick Nandre Burger was the pick of South Africa’s bowlers, claiming 4 for 46, while debutant Nqabayomzi Peter impressed with 3 for 55.

Pakistan were rocked early when Fakhar Zaman fell for a duck, followed by quick wickets of Babar Azam (11) and Mohammad Rizwan (4), leaving the hosts reeling at 22 for 3.

However, Saim Ayub (53) and Salman Agha (69) steadied the innings with a composed partnership before both fell just as Pakistan looked to accelerate.

A late flourish came from Mohammad Nawaz, who hit 59 off 59 balls, including three fours and four sixes, to lift Pakistan past 260. Faheem Ashraf chipped in with a quick 28 off 18 balls, but South Africa’s bowlers kept striking at regular intervals to prevent any big finish.

With the win, South Africa levelled the series 1-1, setting up a decisive third and final ODI at the same venue, the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, on Saturday (November 8).

This ODI series marks the return of international cricket to Faisalabad after 17 years. Pakistan had won the first match in a last-over thriller, but South Africa responded emphatically in the second, leaving everything to play for in the finale.

Score summary:

Pakistan: 269/9 in 50 overs (Salman Agha 69, Nawaz 59, Saim Ayub 53; Burger 4-46, Peter 3–55)

South Africa: 270/2 in 40.1 overs (De Kock 123*, De Zorzi 76, Pretorius 46; Faheem 1-40, Wasim 1–48)

Result: South Africa won by 8 wickets

Series: 3-match series level 1-1

Player of the Match: Quinton de Kock