SA vs PAK: Second Consecutive ODI Series Win for Pakistan in Proteas Land, Shaheen-Babar-Rizwan played the Anchor

Pakistan clinched the ODI series in South Africa after winning the second ODI of the three-match ODI series in some fashion. Babar got some runs from his bat after quite a long time and so does Rizwan. Shaheen's four-fer in crucial time secured the game for Pakistan even after Klassen's domination.

SA vs PAK 2nd ODI: Pakistan scripted another record after winning the second ODI of their current tour of South Africa. They have now won two consecutive ODI series in South Africa (2021 and 2024), and this is the first time in history. 

Pakistan achieved their first-ever series win against and in South Africa in 2013-14 after enduring seven consecutive losses. Although they failed to retain the series in 2018, they bounced back with a 2-1 victory during their 2021 tour. Now, in 2024, Pakistan has made history by securing back-to-back series wins in South Africa for the first time.

In December 2024, Pakistan toured South Africa for a multiformat series. The home teams won the T20I series 2-0 and then headed to the ODI battle. The visitors Pakistan won the first match on close call where both teams played good cricket. The last two ODIs were must-win matches for the home team in order the secure the series loss but Pakistan had other plans.

SA vs PAK 2nd ODI Summary

South Africa won the toss and chose to field, putting Pakistan in to bat first. Pakistan’s start was shaky, with Abdullah Shafique dismissed for a duck in the opening over and Saim Ayub failing to convert his start. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steadied the innings, adding 115 runs for the third wicket, though their partnership lacked the firepower to push the scoring rate. At that stage, a total of even 300 looked uncertain.

The momentum shifted when Agha Salman and Kamran Ghulam took charge. They stitched a rapid 50+ stand, with Ghulam launching an explosive innings. Agha departed, but Ghulam continued his onslaught, smashing a 25-ball fifty and propelling Pakistan past the 300-run mark.

South Africa’s inexperienced bowling attack faltered under pressure, while their fielding lapses compounded the issue, allowing Pakistan to finish strong. Pakistan posted a big total of 329 runs for South Africa. 

Despite the late fireworks, South Africa’s captain Bavuma remained confident. He remarked that the pitch would play better under lights, giving his team a good chance to chase the target. With the ball expected to come onto the bat nicely, South Africa looked to capitalize on the conditions to level the series.

South Africa started their chase positively, with Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi finding early boundaries. However, Bavuma fell in the sixth over, caught in the deep off Haris Rauf. Zorzi played some classy strokes but was bowled by Abrar Ahmad, as Pakistan’s spinners took control. Agha Salman and Abrar built pressure in the middle overs, leading to Rassie van der Dussen’s dismissal while attempting a big shot.

Klaasen and David Miller tried to revive the innings with a steady rotation of strikes and a few boundaries. However, Shaheen Afridi struck again, removing Miller for 29. Klaasen fought valiantly, hitting two sixes, but with little support from the lower order, South Africa crumbled.

Shaheen and Naseem cleaned up the tail, and despite Klaasen’s efforts with his 97 off just 74, the target slipped out of reach. Pakistan won the match by 81 runs and also the series with one match still to be played.

SA vs PAK 3rd ODI Details

Series- Pakistan tour of South Africa 2024-25, ODI series
Match- SA vs PAK, 3rd ODI
Date- 22 Dec, 2024
Day- Sunday
Venue- The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Timing- 05:30 pm

ALSO READ: ICC confirms 'Hybrid' model for Champions Trophy 2025; PCB gets Women's T20 World Cup 2028 hosting rights in compensation