Nandre Burger dismantled Pakistan’s top order with three quick wickets early on in the second one-day international against South Africa at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, on Thursday. Pakistan, electing to bat first, struggled on a slow and awkward pitch, eventually posting 269-9.
The pitch made batting challenging, and despite the total seeming modest, Pakistan remained competitive at the halfway point. Conditions are expected to worsen for the second innings.
Left-arm fast bowler Burger took 4-46, striking early with the third ball of the match:
Opener Saim Ayub scored 53, adding a slow but steady 92 runs in 20 overs with Salman Agha to stabilize the innings. Salman played cautiously, reaching his half-century off 82 balls with only three boundaries.
“A full-blooded drive against Corbin Bosch resulted in a remarkable, reflex catch by the bowler in his follow-through.”
Salman was eventually dismissed for 69 from 106 balls, caught by Bosch off a straight yorker that broke through his defenses.
Summary: Burger’s early bowling assault put Pakistan on the back foot, but a patient partnership helped the hosts reach a defendable total on a tough pitch.