FAISALABAD, PAKISTAN – A spectacular, unbeaten century from opener Quinton de Kock powered South Africa to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second One-Day International, levelling the three-match series at 1-1. The Proteas chased down the target of 270 with nearly 10 overs to spare at the Iqbal Stadium on Thursday.
De Kock, playing his second ODI since reversing his decision to retire from the format, anchored the chase with a masterful 123 not out off 119 balls. His innings, studded with eight fours and seven sixes, showcased a blend of control and explosive power that dismantled the home side’s bowling attack.
🇿🇦 Clinical Chase Built on Partnerships
South Africa’s pursuit began strongly with a brisk 81-run opening stand between de Kock and the young Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who contributed a quick-fire 46 off just 40 balls.
The real momentum shift came with the second-wicket partnership between de Kock and Tony de Zorzi. The pair added a match-winning 153 runs off 137 balls, with de Zorzi playing an aggressive hand, scoring 76 off 63 deliveries (9×4, 3×6). De Kock brought up his 22nd ODI century, moving past Herschelle Gibbs to become the third-highest century-maker for South Africa in the format. Captain Matthew Breetzke then joined de Kock to comfortably see the team home in the 41st over.
🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Innings: Recovering from a Top-Order Collapse
Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat, Pakistan’s top order crumbled to the pace of South African bowler Nandre Burger. The left-arm pacer ripped through the top three in a sensational opening spell, dismissing Fakhar Zaman (0), Babar Azam (11), and Mohammad Rizwan (4) to leave the hosts reeling at 22 for 3 in the fifth over.
The innings was resurrected by crucial half-centuries in the middle and lower order. Opener Saim Ayub (53) and Salman Ali Agha (69) added 92 runs for the fourth wicket, stabilising the innings. A late surge by Mohammad Nawaz, who hit a career-best 59 off 59 balls, and a quick cameo from Faheem Ashraf (28) helped Pakistan post a respectable total of 269 for 9 in their 50 overs.
Nandre Burger was the pick of the Proteas’ bowlers, finishing with career-best figures of 4-46, while leg-spinner Nqabayomzi Peter also impressed with 3-55.
💥 Series Decider on Saturday
The victory marks a dominant comeback “nddailyupdates” for South Africa following their narrow two-wicket loss in the first ODI. With the series finely poised at 1-1, both teams will return to the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad on Saturday, November 8, for the third and final match to decide the series winner.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan: 269/9 in 50 overs (Salman Ali Agha 69, Mohammad Nawaz 59; Nandre Burger 4-46, Nqabayomzi Peter 3-55) South Africa: 270/2 in 40.1 overs (Quinton de Kock 123*, Tony de Zorzi 76; Faheem Ashraf 1-40)
South Africa won by 8 wickets. Player of the Match: Quinton de Kock
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