Pakistan Recover to Post 269-9 in Second ODI Against South Africa
Pakistan aims to clinch the series after their narrow two-wicket victory in the first match on Tuesday. Despite an early collapse, they managed a strong lower-order recovery to reach 269-9 in the first innings of the second One-Day International at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad on Thursday.
Key Performances
- Saim Ayub anchored the innings with a patient 53 off 66 balls, including five fours and a six.
- Salman Ali Agha contributed a steady 69, forming the backbone of the middle order.
- Mohammad Nawaz played a pivotal role with a match-turning 59, mixing caution with aggression.
- Faheem Ashraf added vital momentum with a quick 28 in the death overs.
Early Struggles
Electing to bat first under clear skies, Pakistan faced early setbacks. Opener Fakhar Zaman was out for a duck after just three balls, gloving a sharp Nandre Burger bouncer to wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock. Babar Azam looked uncertain before falling for 11, edging Burger’s delivery to first slip. Mohammad Rizwan lasted only four balls, bowled for four as Burger’s skilled swing and seam bowling reduced Pakistan to 22 for 3 within five overs.
Innings Stabilization
Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha then built a crucial 92-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Saim, who was fortunate to survive an early drop, played with great composure until caught by pacer Corbin Bosch in the 25th over off his own bowling.
"Pakistan staged a remarkable lower-order fightback to post a competitive 269-9 after a top-order collapse threatened their innings."
Author’s summary: Pakistan overcame strong early bowling to build a resilient innings through key partnerships and lower-order contributions, setting a competitive total against South Africa.