Pakistan sealed a 2-0 lead in their three-match ODI series against South Africa as Mohammad Rizwan-led Pakistan won the second ODI by 81 runs in Cape Town on Thursday.
Watch: On-Field Spat Between Rizwan & Klaasen
There was a heated moment between Mohammad Rizwan and South African batter Heinrich Klaasen which took place in the 26th over of the match. The argument between the two started when Haris Rauf delivered the last ball of the over and said something to Klaasen that irritated him. Rizwan joined the conversation, and the situation took a heated turn with Klaasen. Babar Azam ran over to intervene, and Haris Rauf was also briefly involved. The umpires acted promptly, and play returned to normal after the brief distraction.
Rizwan fighting Klaasen 🫢#CT25 || #PAKvsSA || #SAvPAK || #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/b58UOGkwa8
— Babar Zone (@BabarZone) December 19, 2024
Pakistan’s Incredible Batting
Pakistan set a daunting total of 329 runs, with some solid knocks from Babar Azam (73) and Rizwan (80). However, the showstopper was Kamran Ghulam who smashed a quickfire 63 off just 32 balls with 4 fours and 5 sixes to give finishing touches to the innings.
Shaheen Shah Afridi Leads The Bowling Attack
With a total of which Pakistan’s bowlers dealt with the South African chase with complete ease. Shaheen Shah Afridi was the brightest star of the day, where he picked four crucial wickets that included the big scalps of David Miller and Marco Jansen, Andile Phehlukwayo, and Kwena Maphaka. Naseem Shah came in to add pressure through three wickets, but Abrar Ahmed picked only two wickets. There was no contribution from the side of Haris Rauf.
Klaasen’s Heroic Effort Falls Short
The match did not lack drama, however Heinrich Klaasen fought well in the run chase. Aggressive knock of 97 runs off 74 balls with 8 fours and 4 sixes, ensured that South Africa’s hope was still alive, however from the other end, there was not much support, and the Pakistani bowlers maintained the control to win the game by 81 runs.
Back-To-Back Series Wins For Pakistan
This victory makes it Pakistan’s second successive ODI series win. They had triumphed over Australia 2-1 in a three-match ODI series played Down Under in their previous series.
