Pakistan set a challenging 330-run target for South Africa, propelled by Kamran Ghulam’s explosive innings, during the second ODI at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town on Thursday.
A solid batting performance from 🇵🇰 set 330 as the target for South Africa! 🏏#SAvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/PxQhEE91u4
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 19, 2024The Pakistani team, batting first, had a shaky start as opener Abdullah Shafique was dismissed for a duck in the first over, with the team at just five runs.
After the early setback, Babar Azam joined forces with Saim Ayub, the hero from the last match, crafting a crucial 48-run partnership before Ayub’s dismissal in the 10th over.
Babar partnered with captain Mohammad Rizwan, mounting a pivotal 115-run stand for the third wicket. Both players reached their half-centuries during this partnership.
💯 @babarazam258 and @iMRizwanPak reach a stellar 100-run partnership, keeping the momentum alive! 💪🤜💥🤛#SAvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/oCyPtWqXJ1
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 19, 2024All-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo ended their partnership, catching Babar at midwicket in the 33rd over. Babar’s innings included seven fours, contributing 73 runs off 95 balls.
Rizwan continued to excel, adding a brief 24-run partnership with Salman Ali Agha before falling to Kwena Maphaka in the 36th over. Rizwan topped the scoring for Pakistan with 80 runs from 82 balls, featuring 10 boundaries, including three sixes.
Entering at number six, Kamran Ghulam took control, delivering a stunning 32-ball 63 with four fours and five sixes.
He also shared valuable partnerships with Salman Ali Agha (33), Muhammad Irfan Khan (15), and Shaheen Shah Afridi (16) before his dismissal at the start of the final over.
For South Africa, Maphaka led the bowling attack with four wickets, followed by Marco Jansen with three. Bjorn Fortuin and Phehlukwayo each took one wicket.
Four wickets on debut for 18-year-old quick Kwena Maphaka 👏https://t.co/yR8SEIgmsp | #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/tO34gD2Ipb
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 19, 2024Pakistan, leading the three-match series 1-0 thanks to their narrow three-wicket win in the opener, positioned themselves strongly for a series victory with this performance.
