Shaheen Afridi’s Match-Winning Spell Powers Pakistan to 81-Run Victory Over South Africa, Secures Series Win
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: A stellar performance from Shaheen Afridi led Pakistan to a commanding 81-run victory over South Africa in the second ODI, clinching their third consecutive ODI series win.
Defending a target of 330, Pakistan’s bowlers dominated the South African batting lineup. Shaheen Afridi’s fiery four-wicket haul, complemented by Naseem Shah’s three wickets and Abrar Ahmed’s two, restricted the Proteas to 248 despite a valiant 97-run effort from Heinrich Klaasen.
South Africa began their chase solidly, with Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi adding 34 for the first wicket before Naseem Shah removed Bavuma for 12. Abrar Ahmed bowled Zorzi for 34, and Salman Ali Agha dismissed Rassie van der Dussen, leaving the Proteas struggling at 113 for 4.
Klaasen and David Miller reignited South Africa’s hopes with a 72-run partnership, but Afridi’s brilliance turned the tide. Afridi dismissed Miller for 29 and delivered two more crucial blows to leave South Africa at 205 for 7. Klaasen fought hard but fell short of his century as Pakistan’s bowlers cleaned up the tail.
Earlier, Pakistan’s batting lineup overcame early setbacks to post a formidable 329. Captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steadied the innings with a 115-run partnership after a shaky start. Babar scored a solid 73, while Rizwan contributed 54.
The star of the innings, however, was Kamran Ghulam, who smashed an explosive 63 off just 32 balls, including four fours and five sixes. Ghulam’s late onslaught, supported by Salman Ali Agha’s quickfire 33, propelled Pakistan to a strong total.
South African debutant Kwena Maphaka impressed with the ball, dismissing Saim Ayub and taking a stunning catch to remove Babar Azam. Despite his efforts, the hosts could not overcome Pakistan’s disciplined performance.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (C), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Marco Jansen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Bjorn Fortuin, Kwena Maphaka, Tabraiz Shamsi.
The third and final ODI promises an exciting finish as South Africa looks to salvage pride and Pakistan aims for a clean sweep.
