Pakistan secured an emphatic victory over South Africa in the second ODI in Cape Town, winning by 81 runs and clinching the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead. The final ODI will take place at the Wanderers on Sunday.
South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen delivered a standout performance with a masterful 97 runs off just 74 deliveries, featuring 8 fours and 4 sixes. Despite his efforts, Klaasen received little support from the rest of the batting lineup, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Chasing a daunting target of 330, South Africa fell short despite Klaasen’s valiant attempt to keep his side in contention.
Pakistan’s Dominant Batting Display
Earlier, Pakistan set an imposing target thanks to stellar contributions from their top and middle order. Babar Azam anchored the innings with a patient 73 off 95 balls, while Mohammad Rizwan added a solid 80 from 82 deliveries. Kamran Ghulam provided fireworks late in the innings, smashing an explosive 63 from just 32 balls.
South Africa struck early, with Shafique dismissed in the opening over and Ayub falling in the ninth over, leaving Pakistan at 53/2. Azam and Rizwan steadied the innings with a crucial 115-run partnership for the third wicket. Ghulam then unleashed a brutal assault in the final overs, helping Pakistan score 145 runs in the last 15 overs. Among South Africa’s bowlers, debutant Kwena Maphaka impressed with 4 wickets, while Marco Jansen took 3.
South Africa’s Struggle to Chase
South Africa began their chase with promise, maintaining a steady run rate before Temba Bavuma was dismissed for 11, mistiming a pull off Naseem Shah with the score at 34. Toni de Zorzi and Rassie van der Dussen built a steady partnership, but spinners Abrar Ahmed and Agha Salman struck key blows to reduce South Africa to 84/3.
From there, the Proteas’ innings faltered. Klaasen waged a lone battle as his teammates struggled against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Contributions from Markram (21), Miller (29), and a string of single-digit scores from the lower order left Klaasen with too much to do. His dismissal on the boundary, trying to reach his century, effectively ended South Africa’s resistance.
Encouraging Signs Amid Disappointment
Despite the loss, South Africa will take some positives from the match, including the promising debut of teenage pacer Maphaka. However, the overall performance was underwhelming, and the team will be playing for pride in Sunday’s final pink ODI at the Wanderers.
The Proteas will then shift focus to the Test series against Pakistan, starting on Boxing Day, as they seek to rebound from their ODI disappointment.
🟢🟡Match Result
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 19, 2024
Another entertaining ODI comes to a close.
🇵🇰Pakistan win by 81 runs in Cape Town and take a 2-0 lead in the 3-Match ODI Series.
See you in Joburg for the 3rd and final Pink Day ODI, at the DP World Wanderers Stadium!🏏🏟️🎀#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/xaJa7wdiop
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