Burger's Career-Best Bowling Restricts Pakistan in Second ODI
Nandre Burger delivered an outstanding performance, taking career-best figures of 4-46 as South Africa limited Pakistan to 269-9 in the second one-day international held in Faisalabad on Thursday.
The 30-year-old fast bowler made an immediate impact by removing Pakistan’s first three wickets within his opening three overs after the hosts chose to bat first on the flat pitch at Iqbal Stadium.
Early Wicket Haul Sets the Tone
- Burger took his first wicket with his third delivery, dismissing opener Fakhar Zaman for a duck caught behind by Quinton de Kock.
- He struck twice more in his third over, with Babar Azam caught in the slips for 11 and Mohammad Rizwan bowled for 4.
Middle-Order Partnership Revives Pakistan
After being reduced to 22-3, Pakistan's innings was steadied by a solid partnership between opener Saim Ayub and Salman Agha.
- Saim Ayub scored 53 runs off 66 balls, including a six and five fours.
- Salman Agha contributed a patient 69 from 106 deliveries, adding five boundaries.
- The duo added 92 runs for the fourth wicket to rebuild the innings.
Ayub reached his second ODI fifty before being caught by Corbin Bosch in the 25th over. Later, Agha was bowled by Bosch in the 41st over.
“Burger ripped out Pakistan's first three wickets in his opening three overs,” reflecting his key role in restricting Pakistan’s total.
Series Context
Pakistan aimed to set a competitive total to secure the three-match series, but South Africa’s disciplined bowling made scoring difficult on the challenging pitch.
Summary
Nandre Burger's early breakthroughs and steady middle-order partnerships defined the innings, helping South Africa control Pakistan's score effectively.
“Burger struck with his third delivery, having opener Fakhar Zaman caught behind by Quinton de Kock for a duck.”
Author’s Summary: Nandre Burger's career-best four-wicket haul set the tone as South Africa held Pakistan to 269-9 in a tightly contested second ODI in Faisalabad.