Quinton de Kock marked his ODI comeback in style, smashing an unbeaten 123 as South Africa cruised to an eight-wicket win over Pakistan in the second ODI at the Iqbal Stadium on Thursday. The Proteas chased down 270 in just 40.1 overs to level the three-match series 1-1.
Burger, Peter Restrict Pakistan to 269/9
After losing their seventh straight toss on tour, South Africa produced a disciplined bowling display to hold Pakistan to 269/9. Left-arm quick Nandre Burger led the way with career-best figures of 4-46, while leg-spinner Peter Nqabayomzi returned 3-55.
For Pakistan, Salman Ali Agha (69 off 106) anchored the innings with support from Saim Ayub (53 off 66) and Mohammad Nawaz (59 off 59), who added late momentum. Their efforts lifted the hosts from a shaky 72/3 to a competitive total.
“Saim and Agha did really well and their partnership helped us recover. Dropped catches cost us, but we’ll come back strongly,” said Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.
De Kock’s Flawless Knock Seals It
Returning from ODI retirement, De Kock was at his fluent best, cracking eight fours and seven sixes in his 119-ball 123*. He shared a blazing 153-run stand with Tony de Zorzi (76 off 63) after Lhuan-dre Pretorius (46 off 40) gave the visitors a flying start.
We played really nicely today. I set high standards for myself and it’s nice to be back with the team. The guys have been clinical, and it’s great to make new friends in this setup.
Pakistan’s bowling lacked bite, with their pacers struggling for control and fielders spilling key chances. Mohammad Nawaz dropped De Kock on 15, while Naseem Shah missed a caught-and-bowled chance to remove Pretorius early — lapses that proved costly.
Captain Breetzke Hails Clinical Team Effort
South Africa skipper Matthew Breetzke, who added an unbeaten 36 in the chase, praised his side’s all-round performance.
It was a clinical display. Nandre Burger was special up front, and with the bat, Quinny, Lhu, and Tony were brilliant. We take pride in our fielding and saved a lot of runs. I’m very happy with how the boys executed today.
Decider Set For Saturday
With the series now tied 1-1, both teams will return to the Iqbal Stadium on Saturday for the decisive third ODI.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 269/9 (Salman Ali Agha 69, Mohammad Nawaz 59, Saim Ayub 53; Nandre Burger 4-46, Peter Nqabayomzi 3-55) South Africa 270/2 in 40.1 overs (Quinton de Kock 123, Tony de Zorzi 76, Lhuan-dre Pretorius 46)* South Africa won by eight wickets; series level 1-1.
