Pakistan eye ODI series win as SA seek redemption today

FAISALABAD: The stage is set for another gripping contest as Pakistan take on South Africa in the second ODI of the three-match series at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, on Thursday, (today).

With Pakistan leading 1–0 after a tense two-wicket win in the opener, the hosts will be eager to seal the series, while South Africa must regroup quickly to stay alive. This match carries added weight — not just for the series outcome, but for the broader narrative of two evolving teams navigating form, leadership transitions, and emerging talent. The first ODI, played in front of a full house, delivered drama and resilience, and the second promises no less.

Pakistan’s win in the first ODI was built on the back of three key partnerships: an 87-run opening stand between Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, a 91-run middle-order rescue act by Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha, and a nervy finish led by Mohammad Nawaz and Shaheen Afridi.

Salman Agha’s composed 62 off 71 balls and Rizwan’s gritty 55 off 74 were central to Pakistan’s chase of 264. Fakhar and Saim had earlier laid the foundation with fluent strokeplay, while the bowlers — particularly Naseem Shah (3/40) and Abrar Ahmed (3/53) — ensured South Africa didn’t run away with the game.

With the series on the line, Pakistan will again rely on its top five — Ayub, Zaman, Babar Azam, Agha, and Rizwa n— to deliver runs. The bowling unit, led by Shaheen Afridi, will look to tighten its grip in the middle overs, especially with spin expected to play a bigger role as the pitch wears.

South Africa’s batting showed promise in the first match, with Quinton de Kock (63) and debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius (57) leading a strong start. Captain Matthew Breetzke (42) and all-rounder Corbin Bosch (41) added depth, but the innings lost momentum in the final 10 overs, falling short of the ideal 280-plus mark.

Bosch later admitted the side was “10–15 runs short” and identified the Rizwan-Agha partnership as the turning point. The Proteas will be keen to break such stands early in the second ODI and may consider tactical changes to their bowling lineup.

The pace trio of Ngidi, Bosch, and Ferreira picked up two wickets each, but leaked runs at crucial junctures. South Africa will need more control from their spinners — Bjorn Fortuin and George Linde — especially if the pitch begins to assist turn earlier than expected.

The Iqbal Stadium surface is traditionally batting-friendly, offering bounce and carry early on, but tends to assist spinners after the 20-over mark. Seamers may find swing in the first 10 overs, but control and variation will be key in the middle phase.

However, rain threatens to disrupt proceedings, with forecasts predicting showers throughout Thursday. A shortened game could tilt the balance toward the chasing side, especially if dew sets in late.

Pakistan have now played 992 ODIs, winning 523, while South Africa have won 419 out of 694. In head-to-head clashes, South Africa lead with 52 wins to Pakistan’s 35 in 88 ODIs, with one no result.

Squads:

Pakistan: Shahen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha

South Africa: Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile, Corbin Bosch, George Linde, Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Bjorn Fortuin, Lungi Ngidi, Nqabayomzi Peter, Lizaad Williams, Gerald Coetzee.