SA vs PAK 2nd ODI: Babar finds form, Afridi stars with ball as Pakistan thump proteas

Friday, 20-Dec-2024, 03:47 AM

Pakistan triumphed over South Africa in the second ODI on Thursday at Newlands, Cape Town to seal the series win, delivering a commanding performance in both batting and bowling. Pakistan put up an impressive total of 329 runs, with massive contributions from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan leading the charge. South Africa, in their pursuit of the target, fell short, bowled out for 248 in 43.1 overs, with Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah starring with the ball, taking four and three crucial wickets respectively.

Put into bat, Pakistan once again set out to make a statement. Most notably, Babar Azam, who had been struggling to find his form, made a stellar comeback with his 73-run knock. Both Babar and Rizwan played aggressive innings that propelled their side to a formidable total. Skipper Rizwan, who has been in sublime form, cracked 80 runs. The partnership between Babar and Rizwan provided the backbone of the Pakistan's innings.

Pakistan also had support from the lower order in the form of Kamran Ghulam scoring 63 off 32 that further bolstered the total.

Chasing 330 runs for victory, South Africa began their innings with hope, but Pakistan's bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi, quickly put the brakes on the chase. He claimed four wickets, making vital breakthroughs at critical junctures.

The South African top order struggled to build partnerships, with only Heinrich Klaasen (97) offering any significant resistance. However, he was dismissed before he could capitalize further. Their middle order crumbled under the pressure of the chase, and moreover, Pakistan bowlers never allowed the Proteas to find any rhythm.

More News

The chase master Virat Kohli turns 37

44 mins ago

Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli turns 37 today, and the legend continues to impress his fans with his fighting spirit and unflinching tenacity. Ever since the batting legend burst onto the international stage with his fearless attitude, Kohli has been a cornerstone of Indian cricket. More importantly, Kohli has transcended the sport, becoming not just one of India’s finest b...

AUS vs IND, 4th T20I: All you need to know, head-to-head, playing XI

2 hrs ago

Australia and India are getting ready to take on each other in the fourth T20I of the five-match series scheduled to be played on Thursday at Carrara Stadium. The series is currently levelled 1-1 after Australia clinched the second game and India responded with the victory in the third. Notably, the first match had been washed out. Heading into...

Haris Rauf gets two-match suspension following Asia Cup botch

3 hrs ago

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has been ruled out of the second ODI against South Africa, as he continues to serve a suspension handed down by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The pacer had already missed the first ODI of the ongoing series on Tuesday, following a two-match ban in the wake of multiple disciplinary breaches committed during the Asia Cup 2025.

Acco...

Australia unveil squad for first Ashes Test, Labuschagne returns to the fold

4 hrs ago

Australia have unveiled a 15-man squad for the opening Test of the Ashes, set to begin on 21 November in Perth, and it features some significant selection moves. Uncapped opener Jake Weatherald has been named in the squad, and veteran campaigner Marnus Labuschagne has been recalled after a supreme domestic start. Labuschagne returns to the fold...

England announce Men’s Central Contract list, Jack Leach, Jonny Bairstow miss out

19 hrs ago

England Test skipper Ben Stokes has signed a two-year central contract, signalling his 2027 Ashes readiness. A total of 30 players have been awarded the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB)

central contracts, with Jacob Bethell being given a two-year contract. Pace ace Jofra Archer has also signed an extended two-year contract.

Players like Will Jacks...