#2ndodi

Pakistan has won the third ODI bilateral series in a row. Kamran Ghulam’s quick 63 off 32 balls and Shaheen’s 4-47 led Pakistan to win the 2nd ODI against South Africa by 81 runs.

1st Inning:

The second ODI between Pakistan and South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town, on December 19, 2024, delivered a thrilling contest. South Africa won the toss and opted to Bowl first. So, Pakistan had to bat first. Pakistan faced an early blow as Abdullah Shafique lost his wicket on a duck while Saim Ayub was playing well. Remember, Saim smashed a century in 1st ODI. In the Cape Town luck was not with him. He played a good shot but the ball failed to go over the fielder and caught, Pakistan slipped further.

Their key batter Babar Azam has not been in form for 1.5 years but he showed his class and looking like he has regained his form. A key batter just needs one match to regain his form. He struks 73 off 95 balls alongside M.Rizwan strucks 80 off 82 balls. They built momentum and played long innings. Salman Ali Agha did not keep a long inning but Right-hand batter Kamran Ghulam played an aggressive inning of 63 off 32 balls, helped Pakistan to reach 329.

• Marco Jansen: 3-71, 10 overs.
• Kwena Maphaka: 4-72, 9.5 overs.
• Bjorn Fortuin: 1-49, 10 overs.
• Andile Phehlukwayo: 1-55, 9 overs.
• Tabriz Shamsi: 0-57, 8 overs.
• Aiden Markram: 0-20, 3 overs

2nd Inning:

Chasing a target of 330 at Cape Town, South Africa was got all out for 248 in 43.1 overs. Pakistan got an early breakthrough as Naseem Shah dismissed Temba Bavuma in a power play. Chasing a massive target, none of South Africa’s batter smashed a fifty except Heinrich Klaasen. He played like an alone warrior. Klassen was playing very well alongside no batter was staying on the pitch to help Klassen achieve the Target. At the last when SA had lost their 9 wickets, Klassen was playing at 97, he struck a strong hit but unfortunately failed to go over the boundary and was caught by the fielder at the Boundary.

• Shaheen Shah: 4-47, 8 overs.
• Naseem Shah: 3-37, 8.1 overs.
• Abrar Ahmed: 2-48, 9 overs.
• Salman Ali Agha: 1-71, 10 overs.
• Haris Rauf: 0-33, 8 overs.

Kamran Ghulam had been adjudged the Player of the Match.

The second ODI between Pakistan and South Africa is set to take place on December 19, 2024, at Newlands, Cape Town. After having defeat in the first odi, the host team will try to bounce back and level the series as to remain alive in the series winning race. On the other side, Pakistan have won the 1st match of the series at Boland Park. They are looking to win the second to secured the ODI series. South Africa will be looking to extend their dominance at home, while Pakistan will be hoping to build a momentum and consistency in the 50-over format. Pakistan’s team likely to remain unchanged while South Africa may be made some changes.

Match Overview:

Cape Town’s Newlands stadium has always been known for its fast and bouncy pitch, which is typically good for fast bowlers to early breakthrough on while providing some support for spinners later in the innings. The ground has witnessed many thrilling ODIs over the years, and fans can expect another competitive game here.

Head-to-Head Records:

When it comes to head-to-head statistics in ODI, South Africa holds a slight edge over Pakistan. Out of 84 matches between the two nations, South Africa has won 52 matches, while Pakistan has claimed 31 victories and remaining 1 was Tied (no result).

Team Preview:

South Africa:

South Africa comes into this match with a well-balanced squad that combines experience and youth. The team’s strength lies in its powerful pace attack, led by Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Ottniel Baartman and Kwena Maphaka. Rabada’s ability to bowl in all conditions makes him a standout performer, and the bounce at Newlands could suit him perfectly. The inclusion of spinner like Tabraiz Shamsi adds variety to the attack, especially if the pitch slows down in the later stages of the inning.

South Africa’s batting unit will be included experienced Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram ( Captain), Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller are expected to provide the firepower in the middle to lower order, capable of turning the game with their explosive hitting.

Key Players:

• Aiden Markram: The captain’s calm leadership and solid technique at the top.
• Kagiso Rabada: South Africa’s leading pacer, crucial with the new ball.
• David Miller: A destructive batter who can take the game away from the opposition in a matter of overs.

Pakistan:

Pakistan’s team led by the M.Rizwan, having a top-heavy batting lineup with explosive opener Saim Ayub. Babar is one of the finest ODI player in the world while M.Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Kamran Ghulam and Irfan Khan Niazi add depth to the batting order.

Pakistan’s pace bowling, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi. The Newlands’ conditions should provide an opportunity for him to exploit the bounce and swing. Alongside Shaheen, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah will look to keep South Africa’s top order under pressure. Abrar Ahmed’s leg-spin will also be crucial, especially if the pitch offers turn in the latter stages.

Key Players:

• Babar Azam: Pakistan’s most reliable batter in all formats.
• Shaheen Shah Afridi: The left-arm pacer will be pivotal in the opening overs.
• Salman Ali Agha: The all-rounder’s role with both bat and ball will be vital.

Weather and Pitch Conditions:

Cape Town is known for its relatively cool and windy conditions, which can assist fast bowlers, particularly in the first half of the match. The pitch at Newlands typically offers good bounce, which should suit both teams’ pacers. As the game progresses, the pitch could slow down slightly, providing spinners with some turn, though the primary focus will remain on the Pacers.