2nd ODI: Pakistan set 270-run target for South Africa
Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, and Mohammad Nawaz struck resilient half-centuries to guide Pakistan to a competitive total of 269 for 9 against South Africa in the second ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, on Thursday.
Electing to bat first, Pakistan endured a rough start as left-arm pacer Nandre Burger dismantled their top order, removing Fakhar Zaman for zero, Babar Azam for 11, and Mohammad Rizwan for four. The early collapse left the hosts struggling at 22 for 3 inside 5 overs.
Middle-order fightback
At this point, Salman Agha and Saim Ayub stepped up with a composed 92-run stand for the fourth wicket, stabilizing the innings. The partnership was broken in the 25th over when Corbin Bosch dismissed Saim, who scored 53 off 66 balls with five fours and a six.
Another quick setback came when Hussain Talat was dismissed for 10 by Nqabayomzi Peter in the 30th over, putting pressure once again on the home side.
Nawaz’s steady finish
Despite the setbacks, Agha continued to anchor the innings and shared a vital 59-run partnership with Mohammad Nawaz for the sixth wicket. Their steady contributions helped Pakistan post a defendable total before Agha finally fell to Bosch in the 41st over.
“Pakistan’s late surge lifted their total to 269 for nine in the allotted 50 overs.”
South Africa now need 270 runs to win the match and level the series.
Author’s Summary
Pakistan overcame an early collapse through key fifties from Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, and Mohammad Nawaz, setting South Africa a 270-run target in Faisalabad.