FAISALABAD, November 7:South Africa produced a commanding performance to outclass Pakistan by eight wickets in the second ODI of the three-match series at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium on Thursday — breaking two major records in the process.
After being sent in to bat, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 269/9 in 50 overs, recovering from early trouble at 22/3 within the first five overs. Half-centuries from Saim Ayub (53 off 66), Salman Ali Agha (69 off 105), and Mohammad Nawaz (59 off 59) steadied the innings for the hosts.
For South Africa, left-arm pacer Nandre Burger spearheaded the attack with impressive figures of 4/46, while Nqabayomzi Peter claimed three wickets and Corbin Bosch took two to wrap up the innings.
Chasing 270, the Proteas made the pursuit look effortless, reaching the target in just 40.1 overs with 59 balls remaining and only two wickets down.
Star wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock led the charge with a brilliant unbeaten 123 off 119 balls, his innings laced with crisp boundaries and smart rotation of strike. Partnering him at the top, Tony de Zorzi blasted a quickfire 76 from 63 deliveries, putting Pakistan’s bowling under immense pressure.
With this chase, South Africa now hold the record for the highest successful ODI chase at Iqbal Stadium, surpassing Pakistan’s 264/8 achieved in the series opener on Tuesday.
Additionally, the thumping victory marked South Africa’s second-largest ODI win (by wickets) against Pakistan on their home turf — underscoring their dominance in the contest.
The victory helped South Africa level the three-match ODI series 1-1, setting up a decisive third match at the same venue on Saturday.
