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SA vs PAK 2nd ODI: Babar finds form, Afridi stars with ball as Pakistan thump proteas
Pakistan triumphed over South Africa in the second ODI on Thursday at Newlands, Cape Town to seal the series win, delivering a commanding performance in both batting and bowling. Pakistan put up an impressive total of 329 runs, with massive contributions from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan leading the charge. South Africa, in their pursuit of the target, fell short, bowled out for 248 in 43.1 overs, with Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah starring with the ball, taking four and three crucial wickets respectively.
Put into bat, Pakistan once again set out to make a statement. Most notably, Babar Azam, who had been struggling to find his form, made a stellar comeback with his 73-run knock. Both Babar and Rizwan played aggressive innings that propelled their side to a formidable total. Skipper Rizwan, who has been in sublime form, cracked 80 runs. The partnership between Babar and Rizwan provided the backbone of the Pakistan's innings.
Pakistan also had support from the lower order in the form of Kamran Ghulam scoring 63 off 32 that further bolstered the total.
Chasing 330 runs for victory, South Africa began their innings with hope, but Pakistan's bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi, quickly put the brakes on the chase. He claimed four wickets, making vital breakthroughs at critical junctures.
The South African top order struggled to build partnerships, with only Heinrich Klaasen (97) offering any significant resistance. However, he was dismissed before he could capitalize further. Their middle order crumbled under the pressure of the chase, and moreover, Pakistan bowlers never allowed the Proteas to find any rhythm.
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