Pakistan primed for Champions Trophy after ODI series win in South Africa

Pakistan continued its impressive form in one-day internationals, clinching an 81-run victory over South Africa at Newlands to secure a second consecutive overseas ODI series win. Following their 2-1 triumph against Australia last month, Pakistan now leads the Proteas 2-0 with one match remaining. The win was powered by half-centuries from Babar Azam, captain Mohammad…


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Pakistan continued its impressive form in one-day internationals, clinching an 81-run victory over South Africa at Newlands to secure a second consecutive overseas ODI series win. Following their 2-1 triumph against Australia last month, Pakistan now leads the Proteas 2-0 with one match remaining.

The win was powered by half-centuries from Babar Azam, captain Mohammad Rizwan, and allrounder Kamran Ghulam, propelling Pakistan to 329 all out. Heinrich Klaasen’s valiant 97 kept South Africa in contention, but their chase faltered under the pressure of Pakistan’s disciplined bowling. Shaheen Shah Afridi sealed the game with a crucial three-wicket burst, finishing with figures of 4-47, while Naseem Shah supported with 3-37. Klaasen was the last to fall, dismissed on 248 in the 44th over.

This marks Pakistan’s fifth consecutive bilateral ODI series win, boosting confidence ahead of hosting the Champions Trophy in February. Despite losing both openers within the first 10 overs, Pakistan rebuilt with a steady 115-run stand between Rizwan and Babar. Rizwan, recovering from a nasty blow to the helmet by debutant Kwena Maphaka, contributed a solid 80 off 82 balls, while Babar added 73 off 95.

Ghulam stole the show in the final overs, smashing a blistering 63 off 32 balls, including a 25-ball half-century, as Pakistan added 105 runs in the last 10 overs. “Kamran Ghulam’s innings was absolutely fantastic,” Rizwan said. “We aimed for 300, but he took us beyond expectations.”


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South Africa started well with openers Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi, but spinners Abrar Ahmed and Salman Agha disrupted the top order. Klaasen and David Miller attempted a comeback, adding 72 runs before Miller fell to Shaheen for 29. Klaasen’s heroic knock ended just short of a century, leaving South Africa short of the target.

The win underlines Pakistan’s growing dominance in ODIs as they gear up for the Champions Trophy.