The Pakistan vs South Africa second ODI in Faisalabad delivered a thrilling display of resilience and fight as Pakistan recovered from a disastrous start to post a competitive total of 269/9. The match, played at Iqbal Stadium on Thursday, showcased grit from Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, and Mohammad Nawaz—each scoring crucial half-centuries that helped Pakistan reach a defendable target after early setbacks.
Pakistan chose to bat first but their innings began on a disastrous note. South Africa’s left-arm fast bowler Nandre Burger produced an outstanding opening spell that ripped through Pakistan’s top order. In the first five overs of the Pakistan vs South Africa second ODI, Burger dismissed Fakhar Zaman for a duck, Babar Azam for 11, and Mohammad Rizwan for 4. His fiery bowling left Pakistan struggling at 22/3, raising concerns of a possible collapse.
It was at this moment that Saim Ayub and Salman Agha stepped up to rebuild the innings. The pair put together a vital 92-run partnership for the fourth wicket, stabilizing Pakistan’s innings and shifting the momentum. Saim played confidently, rotating strike well and punishing loose deliveries. His 53 off 66 balls included five boundaries and a cleanly struck six. His dismissal came at a crucial stage when Corbin Bosch claimed a smart caught-and-bowled opportunity in the 25th over.
As Pakistan continued their recovery, Hussain Talat entered the crease but could not contribute significantly. He managed just 10 runs before falling to Nqabayomzi Peter, which put Pakistan under pressure once again. However, Agha remained firm and played with maturity throughout the middle overs.
Agha’s innings was the backbone of Pakistan’s total in the Pakistan vs South Africa second ODI. His 69 off 105 balls demonstrated excellent temperament. He struck five fours and kept Pakistan’s innings alive at a time when wickets were falling at the other end. His ability to hold the innings together allowed the team to build partnerships and plan a late innings surge.
Agha forged another important stand—this time with Mohammad Nawaz. The pair added 59 runs for the sixth wicket, setting up a platform for a competitive total. Nawaz played with intent from the moment he arrived at the crease. His attacking approach was exactly what Pakistan needed in the death overs.
After Agha’s dismissal by Bosch in the 41st over, Nawaz took control and shifted the momentum with aggressive strokeplay. He smashed 59 runs off just 59 balls, hitting four massive sixes and three boundaries. His ability to accelerate the scoring rate kept Pakistan in the contest and lifted the team past the 250-run mark. Nawaz eventually fell on the second-last ball of the innings, again to Peter, but not before ensuring Pakistan posted a fighting total.
Alongside Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf played a quick and valuable cameo. His 28 off 18 balls featured two sixes and two fours, further boosting Pakistan’s total in the death overs. His explosive batting ensured that Pakistan extracted maximum runs from the final overs.
For South Africa, the standout performer with the ball was Nandre Burger. His figures of 4/46 were instrumental in dismantling Pakistan’s top order. His pace, control, and accuracy kept the batters uncomfortable throughout his spell. Nqabayomzi Peter also bowled impressively, claiming three wickets, while Bosch supported well with two.
By the end of the innings, Pakistan’s 269/9 felt competitive given the early damage and the pitch conditions. The middle-order recovery and Nawaz’s late surge made the total respectable and gave Pakistan something meaningful to defend in the Pakistan vs South Africa second ODI.
This match highlighted Pakistan’s resilience and ability to rebuild under pressure. Although the top order faltered, the middle and lower order contributed significantly. Their combined effort turned what could have been a low total into a competitive one.
As the second innings begins, all eyes will be on Pakistan’s bowlers to see whether they can capitalize on the momentum created by their batters. With the series at a crucial stage, the Pakistan vs South Africa second ODI promises an exciting contest that could have a big impact on the outcome of the series.
