Pakistan Scores 269-9 Against South Africa in Second ODI
In the second One Day International at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium, Pakistan posted a total of 269 runs for nine wickets in their 50 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat first. This followed their thrilling two-wicket victory in the first match, giving them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Early Struggles and Key Performances
The innings started poorly as opener Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for zero, caught by Quinton de Kock off Nandre Burger’s bowling. Saim Ayub stabilized the innings with a measured 53 runs from 66 balls. Skipper Babar Azam managed only 11 runs before falling to Burger, who emerged as the leading bowler for South Africa. Mohammad Rizwan contributed just four runs before his dismissal.
Middle-Order Contributions
Agha Salman played a crucial role by anchoring the innings with a patient 69 runs from 106 balls, building important partnerships in the middle order. Mohammad Nawaz accelerated the scoring with a quick 59 runs off 59 balls, helping Pakistan maintain a competitive total.
South African Bowling Highlights
- Nandre Burger was the standout bowler, taking four wickets for 53 runs.
- Nqabayomzi Peter secured three vital wickets, dismissing Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, and Shaheen Afridi.
- Additional support came from Bosch and Pretorius, each taking one wicket.
"Pakistan set a total of 269 for nine in 50 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat first against South Africa in the second One Day International at Iqbal Stadium on Thursday."
"Nandre Burger was the pick of the bowlers, taking four wickets for 53 runs."
Pakistan’s innings was a mix of resilience in the middle order and tough bowling pressure from South Africa, setting up a competitive contest in the series.
Summary: Pakistan’s solid middle-order batting, led by Salman and Nawaz, helped them post 269-9, putting pressure on South Africa in the second ODI of the series.