-Pakistan, South Africa ODI series stands level at 1-1
Sports Desk
Johannesburg: Opener Fakhar Zaman was a lone warrior for Pakistan as he smashed 193 runs, however, he couldn’t take Green Shirts past to South Africa’s 341. The visitors managed to score 324/9 courtesy of a brilliant batting display by the 30-year-old Fakhar. His 155-ball innings included 18 fours and 10 sixes.
Earlier, South Africa have posted a massive total of 341/6 to chase for Pakistan. Explosive David Miller smashed a powerful 27-ball half-century while captain Temba Bavuma, Rassie Van der Dussen and Quinton de Kock posted valuable fifties.
The hosts started the inning with a steady opening partnership between De Kock and Aiden Markram after Pakistan skipper Babar Azam once again opted to bowl first.
De Kock batted with composure while Markram scored at a faster rate. Markram was dropped by Mohammad Rizwan in the eighth over, however, he was soon removed by Faheem Ashraf. The right-hander made 39 off 34 balls, powered by four boundaries and two sixes.
De Kock was joined by Proteas captain Temba Bavuma who didn’t had a good first ODI with the bat. The duo looked to score at six-run per over and laid a perfect platform for a late order. They added 114 runs for the second wicket. Pacer Haris Rauf provided a vital breakthrough, dismissing De Kock on 80. He smashed ten fours and a six in his 86-ball innings.
Inform Rassis Van der Dussen blasted once again and continued where he left at Centurion. Last match’s centurion batted at a strike-rate of 162 for his 60. He smashed six fours and four sixes.
On the other hand, Bavuma looked comfortable with chipping in singles. He scored 92 off 100 balls with the help of nine fours. Meanwhile, David Miller had different ideas and did what he is known for. The left-hander smacked an unbeaten 27-ball fifty to lead South Africa to 341 for six as they look to level the series.
For Pakistan, Haris was the pick of the bowlers, claiming figures of three for 54 runs. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain and Faheem Ashraf bagged a wicket each.
Note, Pakistan is 1-0 up in the three-match ODI series. Green Shirts beat Proteas by three wickets in the first match at SuperSport Park, Centurion.
Pakistan XI: Imam ul Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan, (wk) Danish Aziz, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf
