De Kock's century helps South Africa win easily

De Kock's century helps South Africa win easily

Quinton de Kock and Nandre Burger starred in South Africa’s dominant eight-wicket win over Pakistan in Faisalabad, levelling the three-match ODI series 1-1. Chasing 270, South Africa cruised to victory with 59 balls to spare, thanks to a massive second-wicket stand that crushed Pakistan’s hopes.

South Africa started steadily with de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius putting on 81 runs for the first wicket. Pretorius looked in great touch before falling for 46 off 40 balls to Mohammad Wasim Jr. De Kock was then joined by Tony de Zorzi, and the pair stitched together a 153-run partnership that took the game away from Pakistan. De Kock, dropped early on 15, made full use of the lifeline and went on to score an unbeaten 123 off 96 balls, smashing 8 fours and 7 sixes. De Zorzi also found form, scoring 76 off 63 balls before getting out to Faheem Ashraf.

By the time de Zorzi departed, the match was all but sealed. De Kock continued to dominate and finished the chase alongside Matthew Breetzke, who remained unbeaten on 16.

Earlier, Pakistan had a poor start after choosing to bat. Nandre Burger tore through the top order with pace and swing, removing Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan inside the first five overs, leaving Pakistan at 22 for 3. Saim Ayub and Salman Agha then steadied the innings with a 92-run stand. Ayub scored 53 before falling to a sharp caught-and-bowled by Corbin Bosch.

Salman Agha played the anchor role well, scoring 69 off 106 balls. He added 59 runs with Mohammad Nawaz, who later took charge with a quickfire 59 off 59 balls, hitting 4 sixes and 3 fours. Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Wasim Jr chipped in with useful runs to push Pakistan to 269 for 9.

Burger was the standout bowler with 4 for 46, while leg-spinner Nqabayomzi Peter picked up three wickets. The spinners bowled 30 overs on a slow pitch, keeping things tight in the middle before Pakistan’s lower order added 90 runs in the final 10 overs.

South Africa’s clinical performance with both bat and ball ensured a comfortable win and set up a decider in the final ODI.

Brief Scores:

Pakistan 269/9 (Salman Agha 69, Mohammad Nawaz 59, Saim Ayub 53; Nandre Burger 4-46)

South Africa 270/2 in 40.1 overs (Quinton de Kock 123*, Tony de Zorzi 76) by 8 wickets