An outstanding spell from Shaheen Afridi propelled Pakistan to a dominant 81-run victory over South Africa in the second ODI, securing their third consecutive ODI series win.
While chasing a target of 330, the Proteas had gotten off to a reasonable start with Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi putting on 34 for the first wicket before Naseem Shah dismissed Bavuma for 12.
Zorzi and Rassie van der Dussen built a brief partnership, taking the score to 74 before Abrar Ahmed bowled Zorzi out for 34.
South Africa's momentum took another blow as Salman Agha, fresh off his four-wicket haul in the first ODI, claimed the wicket of Dussen.
The hosts' woes continued when Markram, who had looked solid, fell to Abrar while attempting a sweep shot, leaving South Africa at 113 for 4.
Klaasen, however, kept South Africa's hopes alive, forging a 72-run partnership with David Miller. Agha struggled with the ball as he conceded 71 runs in 10 overs, while Klaasen and Miller took control. But it was Afridi who turned the tide for Pakistan, delivering a scintillating spell when needed the most.
Afridi first dismissed Miller for 29, caught behind, before knocking over Marco Jansen with a stunning toe-crushing delivery. He then trapped Andile Phehlukwayo in front, leaving South Africa at a precarious 205 for 7.
Despite Klaasen's superb knock of 97, which included four sixes, Pakistan's bowlers wrapped up the tail quickly, ending South Africa's innings at 248.
Afridi's four-wicket haul was complemented by Naseem Shah (3 wickets) and Abrar Ahmed (2 wickets), as Pakistan's bowlers showcased their dominance.
Kamran Ghulam, who contributed a blistering 63 off 32 balls, including four fours and five sixes, was named the Player of the Match for his aggressive knock that helped Pakistan set a challenging target.
Earlier, South African captain, Temba Bavuma, won the toss and opted to bowl first as Pakistan’s top order struggled early in the innings, facing a similar fate to the first ODI.
Saim Ayub, who dazzled with a century in the previous match, looked promising but was dismissed for 25 by debutant Kwena Maphaka. By the end of the powerplay, Pakistan found themselves at 53 for 2.
Babar Azam, joined by Rizwan, steadied the ship with a solid 115-run partnership, both players reaching half-centuries.
Babar looked well on course for his 20th ODI century, but his innings came to an end at 73 when he was caught in a stunning effort by Maphaka.
Rizwan, who had anchored the middle overs, was dismissed shortly after, leaving Pakistan at 192 for 4.
Salman Agha played a valuable role with a quickfire 33 off 30 balls, but it was Kamran Ghulam’s explosive late surge that truly lifted Pakistan's total.
Ghulam, who put on a 50-run partnership with Agha and later teamed up with Irfan Khan, was the star of the final overs. His blistering 62 off just 32 balls, including four fours and five sixes, propelled Pakistan to a challenging total of 329.
Playing XIs:
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (C), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Marco Jansen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Bjorn Fortuin, Kwena Maphaka, Tabraiz Shamsi
Head-to-Head:
The two teams have faced each other in 84 ODI matches, with South Africa winning 52 and Pakistan securing 31 victories. One match ended without a result.
- Matches played: 84
- Pakistan won: 31
- South Africa won: 52
Form Guide:
Pakistan comes into this match with strong momentum, having won back-to-back ODI series against Australia and Zimbabwe. The team is aiming for its third consecutive ODI series win.
South Africa also enters the match with confidence, following a 2-1 series victory over Ireland.
- Pakistan's recent form: W, L, W, W, W
- South Africa's recent form: W, W, W, L, L
Earlier, Pakistan clinched a thrilling three-wicket win on Tuesday in Paarl.
Chasing a 240-run target, Agha Salman and Saim Ayub held their composer with the bat notching a 141-run stand for the fifth wicket to see the visitors cross the winning line.
Ayub was dismissed after a brisk 109 off 119 balls, while Salman remained unbeaten on 82 off 90.
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