Quinton de Kock’s flamboyant 123 decimates Pakistan by 8 wickets News24 –
PAK vs SA 2nd ODI: Pakistan put up a fighting total of 269 for 9 in their 50 overs against South Africa in the 2nd ODI at Faisalabad, recovering well after an early collapse. Despite a shaky start, valuable contributions from the middle order led by Agha Salman and Mohammad Nawaz ensured the visitors had a competitive score on the board.
Early trouble for Pakistan
The innings got off to a disastrous start as Fakhar Zaman departed for a duck, caught by Quinton de Kock off Nandre Burger, who struck early and hard. Captain Babar Azam (11) and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan (4) also fell cheaply, leaving Pakistan struggling at 45 for 3 inside the first 10 overs.
Saim Ayub showed prowess
However, Saim Ayub showed maturity at the top, anchoring the innings with a composed 53 off 66 balls, featuring five fours and a six. His partnership with Agha Salman, who top-scored with a gritty 69 from 106 balls, steadied Pakistan’s innings and gave them a much-needed platform.
Counter-attack from Nawaz
Later in the innings, Mohammad Nawaz played a crucial counter-attacking knock of 59 off 59 deliveries, striking four sixes and three fours. His brisk partnership with Faheem Ashraf (28 off 18) added vital runs in the final overs, helping Pakistan push past the 250 mark.
Burger outsmarts PAK batters
For South Africa, Nandre Burger was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 4 wickets, while Nqabayomzi Peter and Corbin Bosch picked up two apiece, ensuring Pakistan never fully broke free.
De Kock’s Century Steers South Africa to Dominant Win
Chasing a target of 270, South Africa made the run chase look effortless, cruising to 270 for 2 in just 40.1 overs to seal a commanding eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in Faisalabad.
The star of the show was Quinton de Kock, who played a masterful innings, scoring an unbeaten 123 off 119 balls. The left-hander mixed elegance with power, smashing eight fours and seven sixes, and never allowed Pakistan’s bowlers to settle. His timing, placement, and calmness under pressure highlighted why he remains one of the most destructive openers in world cricket.
De Kock found solid support from Tony de Zorzi, who played a classy hand of 76 off 63 deliveries, laced with nine boundaries and three sixes. Together, the duo stitched a crucial partnership after the early dismissal of Lhuan-dre Pretorius (46 off 40), who had given South Africa a flying start with aggressive stroke play.
With this win, South Africa showcased their depth and confidence in ODI cricket, while Pakistan will need to regroup quickly after being outplayed in all departments. De Kock’s century and de Zorzi’s fluent 76 will be remembered as the defining moments of the match, a performance that completely silenced the Faisalabad crowd.