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Pakistan Beat South Africa by 81 Runs at Newlands to Win ODI Series 2-0
In a dominant performance at Newlands, Cape Town, Pakistan clinched an 81-run victory in the second One-Day International (ODI) against South Africa, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Shaheen Afridi led the charge with the ball, taking four crucial wickets to dismiss South Africa for 248, while Heinrich Klaasen’s valiant 97 went in vain.
Shaheen Afridi’s Game-Changing Spell
Shaheen Afridi delivered a match-winning performance with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 47 runs. His early breakthroughs set the tone for Pakistan, as he dismissed South Africa’s top-order and created a stranglehold on the match. Afridi’s exceptional bowling ensured that South Africa never got the momentum they needed to chase down Pakistan’s imposing total of 329.
South Africa’s Struggles in the Chase
South Africa’s chase got off to a decent start, with Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi making early boundaries. However, the partnership was short-lived, as Bavuma was dismissed for 9. Despite Zorzi’s resilience, hitting three boundaries, he was removed by Abrar Ahmad for 34. The Pakistani spinners dominated the middle overs, with Agha Salman and Abrar Ahmad choking South Africa’s progress.
The turning point came when Rassie van der Dussen, attempting a big shot off Agha, was caught at deep mid-wicket. The pressure continued to mount on South Africa, and Klaasen, despite his best efforts, lacked support from the other end.
Klaasen’s Heroic Fight
Heinrich Klaasen fought a lone battle for South Africa, scoring a brilliant 97 runs. Despite hitting two sixes off Shaheen Afridi, the lack of partnerships around him made the chase difficult. His aggressive innings was a rare bright spot in a performance overshadowed by Pakistan’s brilliant bowling and fielding.
Pakistan’s Dominant Batting Display
Earlier, Pakistan set a formidable target of 329, thanks to a solid century stand between Babar Azam (73) and Mohammad Rizwan (80). After an early dismissal of Abdullah Shafique, Pakistan rebuilt the innings with Rizwan and Babar leading the charge. Rizwan’s aggressive stroke play, including sixes off Jansen and Bjorn Fortuin, helped Pakistan maintain a healthy run rate.
Kamran Ghulam’s Late Surge
Kamran Ghulam’s explosive 63 off 32 balls played a crucial role in pushing Pakistan’s total to 329. Supported by handy cameos from Agha Salman (33), Irfan Khan (15), and Shaheen Afridi (16), Ghulam’s quickfire knock in the death overs ensured that Pakistan reached a total beyond South Africa’s reach.
South Africa’s Missed Opportunities
Despite Pakistan’s strong total, South Africa had moments where they could have made a comeback. The hosts missed key opportunities, including three dropped catches and some costly fielding errors, which allowed Pakistan to keep the pressure on.
Pakistan Seal the Series
Pakistan’s 81-run victory in Cape Town was comprehensive, with Shaheen Afridi’s spell and Kamran Ghulam’s late surge being the standout performances. With this win, Pakistan sealed the series 2-0, leaving South Africa with little chance of a comeback in the final ODI.
