Kamran Ghulam Shines as Shaheen Afridi Leads Pakistan to 81-Run Victory Over South Africa

Pakistan’s Commanding Victory Over South Africa in Second ODI

Kamran Ghulam Shines as Shaheen Leads Pakistan to 81-Run

Cape Town, South Africa – December 20 (ANI): Pakistan delivered a stunning performance to secure an emphatic 81-run victory against South Africa in the second ODI at Newlands, Cape Town. With this win, Pakistan has clinched an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with the final match scheduled for Sunday in Johannesburg.

Stellar Batting Display

The Asian giants showcased their batting depth and resilience, posting an imposing total of 329 runs. Key contributions came from captain Mohammad Rizwan, who top-scored with a brilliant 80, Babar Azam with a classy 73, and Kamran Ghulam, who delivered an impactful 63. Ghulam’s explosive innings provided the late surge needed to take Pakistan’s total beyond the 320-mark.

Saim Ayub’s aggressive start laid a strong foundation for the middle order. Rizwan and Babar capitalized on this start, building a steady partnership before Ghulam’s fireworks added a final flourish. The South African bowlers, led by Kwena Maphaka (4/72), struggled to contain the onslaught.

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Bowling Masterclass by Shaheen Afridi

Defending a challenging target, Pakistan’s bowling attack dominated South Africa’s batting lineup. Left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi led the charge with exceptional figures of 4/47, while Naseem Shah provided crucial support, claiming 3/37. The hosts were bowled out for 247, falling well short of the target despite a valiant 97-run effort from Heinrich Klaasen and a handy 34 from Tony de Zorzi.

Historic Milestone for Pakistan

This victory marks Pakistan’s fifth consecutive bilateral ODI series win, continuing their excellent form following triumphs against Australia and Zimbabwe. Notably, Pakistan has made history by becoming the first Asian team to win three ODI series in South Africa, having previously achieved this feat in 2013 and 2021.

Champions Trophy Preparations in Full Swing

As the team gears up for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy, this series win adds to their momentum. Pakistan aims to replicate their 2017 Champions Trophy success, where they defeated arch-rivals India in a memorable final at The Oval. They are also chasing the dream of becoming only the second team, after Australia, to secure consecutive Champions Trophy titles.

Rizwan Lauds Team Effort

Captain Mohammad Rizwan expressed immense pride in his team’s collective performance. Highlighting Kamran Ghulam’s game-changing contribution, Rizwan said during the post-match presentation:

“It was a fantastic team effort, with everyone performing exceptionally well. Saim Ayub’s aggressive start laid a solid foundation, allowing Babar and me to consolidate the innings. Kamran Ghulam’s exceptional hitting propelled us to a formidable total. Initially, we aimed for around 300, but his explosive innings lifted us beyond 320.”

Rizwan also praised Ghulam’s potential, adding, “I always believed in Kamran Ghulam, but tonight he showed a completely different dimension of his game. Having played alongside him in the KPK region, I am thrilled about his future with Pakistan.”

Bavuma Reflects on Missed Opportunities

South African skipper Temba Bavuma lamented his team’s inability to sustain their early momentum during the chase. “We had the match under control in the first 25 overs, but unfortunately, we let it slip away in the latter stages. Those final moments cost us dearly,” Bavuma admitted.

Match Summary

Pakistan: 329 all out (Mohammad Rizwan 80, Babar Azam 73, Kamran Ghulam 63, Kwena Maphaka 4/72).
South Africa: 247 all out (Heinrich Klaasen 97, Tony de Zorzi 34, Shaheen Afridi 4/47, Naseem Shah 3/37).

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