South Africa’s national cricket team delivered a clinical performance to level the three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan, sealing a commanding eight-wicket victory at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.
After Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat, it was Proteas paceman Nandre Burger who set the tone early with a devastating new-ball spell. Bowling with pace and aggression, Burger ripped through the top order, removing key batsmen to leave Pakistan reeling at 22 for three within the first five overs.
A resilient 92-run fourth-wicket stand between Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha helped Pakistan recover, with both players reaching half-centuries. Their partnership was eventually broken by seamer Corbin Bosch, who dismissed Ayub soon after his fifty.
Ali Agha continued to anchor the innings alongside Mohammad Nawaz, adding another crucial partnership before falling to Bosch for 69. Burger returned to claim his fourth wicket, finishing with 4/46, while debutant leg-spinner Nqabayomzi Peter picked up three wickets despite conceding 22 runs in his final over. Nawaz top-scored with a brisk half-century as Pakistan posted a competitive 269/9 in their 50 overs.
In response, South Africa’s chase got off to a strong start through openers Lhuan-dre Pretorius (46) and Quinton de Kock, who added 81 runs for the first wicket. De Kock then took full control, mixing calculated aggression with crisp stroke play as he notched up his 32nd ODI fifty.
Partnering with Tony de Zorzi, De Kock dominated the Pakistani bowlers in a match-winning 153-run second-wicket stand. De Zorzi’s fluent 76 off 68 balls complemented De Kock’s composed brilliance at the other end.
De Kock went on to score his 22nd ODI century — and his second against Pakistan — remaining unbeaten on 123. Captain Mathew Breetzke struck the winning runs as the Proteas reached 270/2 in 40.1 overs, wrapping up the chase with 59 balls to spare.
The victory not only levels the series at 1-1, but also restores South Africa’s confidence ahead of the decisive third ODI.
With Burger’s early breakthroughs, Bosch’s consistency, and De Kock’s class at the top, the Proteas showed balance and intent — a statement performance as they look to seal the series win in the final match.
