Explore how Shaheen Afridi led Pakistan to a commanding 2-0 ODI series win against South Africa. Read about the standout performances and match highlights.
Introduction:
Pakistan gave an all-round masterclass to overpower South Africa by 81 runs in the second ODI played at Cape Town. This third successive ODI series victory for Pakistan was thanks to the all-round performances by Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, and Kamran Ghulam. Heinrich Klaasen’s valiant knock of 97 was insufficient as South Africa was bowled out for 248 to chase the imposing 329 put up by Pakistan.
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Pakistan’s Batting Sets the Tone
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan provided the foundation to Pakistan’s innings with a 115-run third-wicket partnership. Abdullah Shafique fell for the second consecutive duck, and Saim Ayub was dismissed for a modest score. Then Babar and Rizwan steadied the innings with classical pacing, keeping South Africa’s bowlers at bay, frustrating the hosts who could not break through.
While Babar seemed in line to score his first hundred in 22 innings, his knock ended prematurely at 53 when he misjudged a delivery from Andile Phehlukwayo, caught by Aiden Markram. Rizwan followed soon after, falling to a stunning diving return catch by debutant Kwena Maphaka.
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It was a very middle-order game. Blistering 63 off just 32 balls by Kamran Ghulam swung the game decisively towards Pakistan. Along with Salman Ali Agha, Ghulam demonstrated he is a power hitter for real. He hit five sixes to help Pakistan score 128 in the last 12 overs and lift the total to 329. That was an unmitigated target for South Africa to take on.
Shaheen Afridi Shines in a Stellar Comeback
South Africa’s chase started promisingly as Temba Bavuma flicked Afridi for a boundary off the first ball. Losing Bavuma early to Naseem Shah, South Africa still maintained a brisk scoring rate during the powerplay. Tony de Zorzi and Rassie van der Dussen kept the scoreboard ticking, giving the hosts a solid start.
However, Pakistan’s tendency to take wickets in clumps was a bit too much for South Africa to handle. De Zorzi, van der Dussen, and Markram went down in a row, leaving Klaasen to carry the innings. With David Miller, Klaasen’s run-a-ball 72-run stand rekindled hope for South Africa.
Shaheen Afridi, however, had other ideas. Having perhaps his best spell since returning from a long layoff due to injury, Afridi found late reverse swing under the lights. He got Miller, reviewed out, and that was a huge turn of events. His ball to Marco Jansen was beauty—angled in and swinging late to crash into the stumps. His accuracy and pace were unplayable, and he finished off the innings with 4/46.
Klaasen’s Solo Struggle
Klaasen had a lone struggle and batted heroically. He scored 97 from 74 balls. The stroke play, especially against Salman Ali Agha, was impressive as Klaasen sent deliveries packing with precision and power. However, the inability of Klaasen to save the strike proved to be costly as wickets continued to fall at the other end. His dismissal, trying to get his century with an aggressive shot, marked the end of South Africa’s resistance.
Pakistan’s Perfect ODI Performance
This victory highlighted Pakistan’s ability to excel across all facets of the game. Their batting was anchored by well-paced partnerships and explosive lower-order hitting. Afridi’s fiery spell, supported by Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, showcased the bowling unit’s depth and versatility.
South Africa’s problems were, however, evident. Despite Klaasen’s brilliance and promising starts from Bavuma and Miller, the hosts could not maintain partnerships, allowing Pakistan to capitalize on their pressure.
Key Moments and Takeaways
Babar-Rizwan Partnership: Their steady 115-run stand set the platform for Pakistan’s late charge.
Ghulam’s Power Hitting: His 63 off 32 balls proved decisive in pushing Pakistan’s total to an unassailable level.
Afridi’s Reverse Swing: His fiery spell in the latter stages dismantled South Africa’s middle and lower order.
Klaasen’s Lone Fight: Despite his remarkable innings, the lack of support left South Africa short.
Pakistan’s ODI Pacing: The ability to conserve wickets and explode in the death overs proved to be the winning formula.
What Lies Ahead?
Pakistan’s victory here marked their third successive ODI series win, which reinforced their position as a force to be reckoned with in the format. South Africa’s defeat exposes cracks in their batting depth and ability to finish games under pressure. The two teams now look toward the final ODI to fine-tune strategies ahead of further challenges.
