2nd ODI: Pakistan Sets 270-Run Target for South Africa
Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, and Mohammad Nawaz all scored fifties, helping Pakistan post a competitive total of 270 runs against South Africa in the second ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, on Thursday.
Choosing to bat first, Pakistan ended their innings at 269 for 9 in the full 50 overs, thanks to a strong finish. However, their innings began poorly as left-arm pacer Nandre Burger quickly dismantled the top order, dismissing Fakhar Zaman (0), Babar Azam (11), and Mohammad Rizwan (4) cheaply.
With Pakistan struggling at 22 for 3 after 4.5 overs, Salman Agha joined Saim Ayub, and the pair sparked a crucial 92-run partnership for the fourth wicket. This stand was broken in the 25th over by Corbin Bosch, who trapped Saim Ayub caught and bowled. Ayub’s innings included 53 runs from 66 balls, featuring five fours and a six.
Afterwards, Hussain Talat was dismissed for 10 by Nqabayomzi Peter in the 30th over, posing another challenge to Pakistan's batting efforts.
Salman Agha then built an important 59-run partnership for the sixth wicket with all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz until Bosch ended Agha’s innings in the 41st over.
"Opting to bat first, the home team finished at 269/9 in the allotted 50 overs, courtesy of a late onslaught."
"With the hosts reeling at 22/3 in 4.5 overs, Agha joined Saim in the middle, and the duo launched a recovery by putting together a gutsy 92-run partnership for the fourth wicket."
"The opening batter remained a notable run-getter for Pakistan with a 66-ball 53, laced with five fours and a six."
Author’s Summary
Pakistan’s middle-order resilience, marked by key partnerships and impactful half-centuries, helped set a challenging target of 270 runs against South Africa in a closely fought ODI.