Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first in the second One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series against South Africa, being held at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.
The home side made two changes to their playing XI, bringing in Mohammad Wasim Jr and Faheem Ashraf in place of Abrar Ahmed and Hasan Nawaz. South Africa also made a couple of alterations, with Nandre Burger and Nqaba Peter replacing Lungi Ngidi and Lizaad Williams.
In the opening ODI at the same venue, Pakistan clinched a thrilling two-wicket win over South Africa.
Batting first, South Africa were bowled out for 263 in 49.1 overs, led by Quinton de Kock’s 63 and Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ 57.
In reply, Pakistan successfully chased the target, reaching 264 for eight in 49.4 overs, sealing victory with two balls remaining.
Salman Ali Agha starred with a crucial 62 off 71 balls, while Mohammad Rizwan contributed 55 off 74. The chase was anchored by a solid 87-run opening stand between Saim Ayub (39) and Fakhar Zaman (45).
On the bowling front, Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah claimed three wickets each, ensuring Pakistan’s narrow win.
Playing XIs:
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah.
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke (c), Sinethemba Qeshile, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin, Nandre Burger, Nqaba Peter.
