South Africa’s opener Quinton de Kock produced a master-class, unbeaten 123 to lead the Proteas to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Pakistan’s national cricket team in the second One-Day International at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, thereby leveling the three-match series 1-1.
Chasing a target of 270, South Africa got off to a flying start with de Kock and Lhuan‑dre Pretorius adding 81 runs in just 11.5 overs. Pretorius scored 46 before becoming the first wicket to fall. De Kock reached his half-century in 55 balls and quickly shifted gear, while Tony de Zorzi bolstered the innings with a brisk 76 off 63, forming a match-winning 153-run partnership. With senior batsmen secured, the chase was wrapped up in 40.1 overs.
Pakistan’s innings was marred by an early collapse—opener Fakhar Zaman was dismissed without scoring, followed by quick wickets of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. The middle order fought back, featuring solid knocks from Saim Ayub (53) and Salman Ali Agha (69), and a late surge from Mohammad Nawaz (59). The hosts reached 269 for 9 but lacked the momentum to defend.
The decisive victory signals a shift in the series dynamics, leaving South Africa with renewed momentum heading into the final ODI. Pakistan must now regroup and tighten both batting and fielding if they are to reclaim the advantage and avoid a series defeat.
