SA LEVELS THE PLAYING FIELD WITH PAKISTAN
What a turnaround by the South Africa national cricket team! After going down in the first game, they absolutely dominated the Pakistan national cricket team in the second ODI in Faisalabad and levelled the series at 1-1.
Pakistan batted first and posted a respectable 269/9 in their 50 overs. Half-centuries from Salman Agha (69) and Mohammad Nawaz (59) gave some momentum, but their strike-rates were modest and South Africa’s bowlers gradually choked things up.
One of the pivotal blows came from South Africa’s debutant-ish pace ace Nandre Burger, who ripped through the Pakistan top order, finishing with 4 for 46.
Chasing 270, South Africa made light work of it. More than that, they did it with swagger. They reached 270/2 in just 40.1 overs, thanks largely to a stunning comeback ton from Quinton de Kock, who got 123 runs off 119 balls, loaded with eight fours and seven sixes.
He was brilliantly supported by Tony de Zorzi, who smashed 76 off 63 and helped build a 153-run second-wicket stand that broke the game for the visitors.
Pakistan’s bowlers simply couldn’t find a way in after the early breakthrough. They used eight bowlers, and none managed to keep the scoring under control when it mattered. On the other side, South Africa were disciplined in the field, defended smartly, and backed up their batters with quality bowling.
So, what does this mean? The series is wide open now. South Africa showed up, Pakistan looked a bit shaken, and we’re heading into the decider with all to play for. It’s setting up nicely.
Image credit: Daily Sun