Pakistan crush South Africa to take unassailable lead in ODI series

CAPE TOWN: Kamran Ghulam and Shaheen Afridi Shine as Pakistan Beat South Africa by 81 Runs

Kamran Ghulam’s explosive half-century and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s brilliant bowling helped Pakistan secure a convincing 81-run win over South Africa in the second ODI at Newlands on Thursday. The victory sealed the series for Pakistan, giving them an unbeatable 2-0 lead ahead of the final match in Johannesburg on Sunday.

Chasing a target of 330, South Africa managed only 248 runs. Heinrich Klaasen fought hard with a superb 97 off 74 balls, hitting eight fours and four sixes, but received little support from the rest of the batting lineup. Opener Tony de Zorzi contributed 34, but the home side fell well short.

Shaheen Afridi was outstanding with the ball, taking 4/47. Naseem Shah chipped in with 3/37, while Abrar Ahmed claimed two wickets to dismantle the Proteas.

Earlier, Pakistan had a shaky start after being sent in to bat. Abdullah Shafique fell for a duck in the opening over, but Babar Azam and Saim Ayub steadied the innings with a 48-run partnership. Saim was dismissed for 25, and Babar then combined with skipper Mohammad Rizwan to add a crucial 115 runs for the third wicket.

Babar scored 73 off 95 balls with seven boundaries before falling in the 33rd over. Rizwan top-scored with 80 off 82 balls, including 10 boundaries and three sixes, anchoring Pakistan’s innings.

Kamran Ghulam’s quick-fire 63 off just 32 balls was the highlight of the innings. The right-hander smashed four fours and five sixes, playing key roles in partnerships with Salman Ali Agha (33), Muhammad Irfan Khan (15), and Shaheen Afridi (16). Pakistan finished with a strong total of 329/9.

For South Africa, Kwena Maphaka impressed with 4/52, while Marco Jansen claimed three wickets. Bjorn Fortuin and Andile Phehlukwayo took one wicket each.

Pakistan had earlier won the opening match of the series by three wickets on Tuesday, and Thursday’s dominant performance ensured they clinched the series with one match still to play.