Shaheen's Four-Fer Guides Pakistan to Series Win with 81-Run Victory Over South Africa
Cape Town, Thursday: A scintillating four-wicket haul by Shaheen Afridi helped Pakistan cruise to an 81-run victory over South Africa in the second ODI at Newlands, sealing the series 2-0 with a game to spare. Despite a valiant 97 from Heinrich Klaasen, South Africa's chase of 329 was never in sight as they were bowled out for 248 in just 43.1 overs. With this comprehensive win, Pakistan ensured an unassailable lead in the three-match series.
Pakistan's innings was built on Mohammad Rizwan's explosive 80 and a pivotal 73 from Babar Azam, along with a blazing 32-ball 63 from Kamran Ghulam in the death overs. The visitors, put in to bat, had a shaky start, losing Abdullah Shafique for a second-ball duck, but strong partnerships followed. Saim Ayub and Babar Azam added 48 runs in the Powerplay before Ayub fell. The ever-reliable duo of Babar and Rizwan then set the tone, with Rizwan particularly aggressive, hitting sixes off Jansen and Fortuin.
South Africa struck back, removing both set batters in quick succession, but Kamran Ghulam was in no mood to let up, going on a late blitz, smashing Phehlukwayo, Fortuin, and Shamsi for boundaries and sixes to push Pakistan past 300. The lower order, including Agha Salman (33) and Shaheen Afridi (16), contributed cameos, adding further damage to the South African attack. Despite some fielding brilliance, including two run-outs, South Africa's bowlers couldn't stop Pakistan from posting a mammoth total.
In reply, South Africa’s chase faltered early. Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi got off to a solid start, but the pressure mounted as Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah consistently picked up wickets. Zorzi's promising innings was cut short by Abrar Ahmad, and the spinners continued to strangle the hosts in the middle overs. South Africa’s hopes rested on Klaasen, who fought valiantly with a knock of 97, but the lack of support from the other end meant the game slipped away.
Shaheen Afridi returned to remove David Miller, while Naseem Shah cleaned up the tail. Klaasen's two sixes in the latter stages were mere consolations as South Africa were bowled out for 248, with Shaheen Afridi finishing with 4-47 and Naseem Shah claiming 3-37.
