2nd ODI: Pakistan Sets 270-Run Target for South Africa
Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, and Mohammad Nawaz scored fifties to help Pakistan post a competitive total of 270 runs against South Africa in the second ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, on Thursday.
Choosing to bat first, Pakistan finished their 50 overs at 269 for 9, boosted by a late acceleration in scoring.
South Africa’s Early Bowling Impact
The Green Shirts struggled early, losing three key wickets quickly as left-arm pacer Nandre Burger dismantled the top order. Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for a duck, while Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan contributed 11 and 4 runs respectively.
At 22 for 3 in 4.5 overs, Salman Agha joined Saim Ayub to stabilize the innings with a resilient 92-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
"The crucial stand was eventually broken by Corbin Bosch in the 25th over as he got Saim caught and bowled."
Saim Ayub’s innings was notable for its steady pace, scoring 53 runs off 66 balls including five fours and a six.
Middle Order Contributions
After Hussain Talat fell for 10 in the 30th over, Agha forged another important partnership with Mohammad Nawaz, adding 59 runs for the sixth wicket.
"Agha was then involved in another crucial partnership for Pakistan when he put together 59 runs for the sixth wicket with fellow all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz until eventually being dismissed by Bosch in the 41st over."
Corbin Bosch played a key role in breaking these partnerships for South Africa, contributing crucial wickets.
Match Context
- Pakistan set a target of 270 runs in the second ODI.
- Early wickets put South Africa under pressure.
- Key partnerships by Agha and Ayub helped post a fighting total.
Summary: Pakistan recovered from early setbacks through key partnerships by Ayub, Agha, and Nawaz, setting a challenging target of 270 for South Africa in the second ODI.