Quinton hits century as South Africa demolish Pakistan to level series

By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: South Africa produced a dominant all-round display to defeat Pakistan by eight wickets in the second ODI at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, leveling the three-match series 1–1. Quinton de Kock led the way with a brilliant unbeaten 123 as the visitors chased down 270 with ease.
Pakistan, batting first, never fully recovered from a poor start. Fakhar Zaman fell for a duck in the first over to Nandre Burger, and both Babar Azam (11) and Mohammad Rizwan (4) followed soon after, leaving the hosts reeling at 22 for 3. Young Saim Ayub and Salman Agha then steadied the innings with a valuable 92-run stand. Saim played confidently for his 53 off 66 balls, while Salman top-scored with 69 from 106 deliveries.
Mohammad Nawaz added late momentum with a lively 59 from 59 balls, including four sixes, and Faheem Ashraf chipped in with a quick 28 off 18 deliveries. Pakistan eventually reached 269 for 9 from their 50 overs — a total that looked competitive but never quite enough on a good batting pitch.
Nandre Burger was South Africa’s best bowler, taking 4 for 46, while debutant Nqabayomzi Peter impressed with 3 for 55. Corbin Bosch also played a key role with two wickets in the middle overs.
In reply, South Africa’s chase was smooth and commanding. Lhuan-dre Pretorius got the innings going with an attacking 46 from 40 balls before being dismissed by Mohammad Wasim Jr. From there, Quinton de Kock and Tony de Zorzi took full control.
De Kock was in sublime touch, timing the ball beautifully and punishing anything loose. He finished unbeaten on 123 from 119 deliveries, hitting eight fours and seven sixes. Tony de Zorzi provided excellent support, scoring a fluent 76 from 63 balls as the pair added 153 runs for the second wicket. Captain Matthew Breetzke joined de Kock to finish the chase in the 41st over, giving South Africa a comfortable victory.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to make an impact. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah went wicketless, while the spinners failed to contain the scoring.
For South Africa, the win was a strong statement after losing the opening game. Their top order looked assured, and the bowlers showed discipline in the first innings. Pakistan, on the other hand, will be disappointed with their top-order collapse and their inability to defend a reasonable total.
With the series now tied at 1–1, the third and final ODI in Pindi on Saturday will decide the winner in what promises to be a high-stakes contest between two evenly matched sides.