De Kock, Burger Star as South Africa Dominate in 2nd ODI in Faisalabad

FAISALABAD: Quinton de Kock’s masterful unbeaten hundred and Nandre Burger’s fiery four-wicket burst powered South Africa to a dominant eight-wicket win over Pakistan in the second ODI at Iqbal Stadium on Thursday, bringing the series level at 1-1 ahead of Saturday’s decider at the same venue.

Chasing 270, South Africa cruised home with 59 balls to spare, losing only two wickets along the way. The visitors got off to a flying start thanks to an 81-run opening stand between Lhuan-dre Pretorius and de Kock.

Mohammad Wasim Jr provided Pakistan with the first breakthrough in the 12th over when Pretorius nicked one behind after an attacking 46 off 40 balls, featuring seven boundaries and a six.

Tony de Zorzi then joined forces with de Kock, and together they dismantled Pakistan’s bowling with a 153-run partnership that virtually sealed the contest. Faheem Ashraf eventually dismissed de Zorzi for a blazing 76 off 63 balls, laced with nine fours and three sixes.

De Kock remained unbeaten till the end, anchoring the chase with a classy 123* from 119 deliveries, peppered with eight fours and seven sixes. Skipper Matthew Breetzke supported him with an assured 16* as South Africa comfortably crossed the finish line.

Earlier, Pakistan opted to bat first but were rocked early by Burger’s lethal spell that ripped through the top order. Fakhar Zaman fell for a duck, while Babar Azam (11) and Mohammad Rizwan (4) also departed cheaply, leaving Pakistan tottering at 22/3 inside five overs.

Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha steadied the innings with a gritty 92-run stand for the fourth wicket before Saim was dismissed by Corbin Bosch for 53 off 66 balls, hitting five fours and a six.

After a brief cameo from Hussain Talat (10), Agha found another reliable partner in Mohammad Nawaz, adding 59 runs for the sixth wicket. Agha was eventually removed for a fighting 69 off 105 deliveries that included five boundaries.

Nawaz then lifted the innings with a late flurry, scoring a quickfire 59 from 59 balls, striking four sixes and three fours before falling to Nqabayomzi Peter in the final over. Faheem Ashraf chipped in with a lively 28 off 18 balls to push Pakistan to 269/9.

For South Africa, Burger was the star with 4/46, while Peter (3/56) and Bosch (2/44) provided strong support to cap off a complete bowling performance.

With this emphatic victory, South Africa bounced back in style, setting up an exciting series finale on Saturday.