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Second ODI: Phehlukwayo, Van der Dussen help South Africa level series

Proteas register five-wicket win in second of the five-match series

Second ODI: Phehlukwayo, Van der Dussen help South Africa level series PHOTO COURTESY: CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA

All-round performance form Andile Phehlukwayo and a responsible knock from Rassie van der Dussen was enough for South Africa to register a five-wicket win against Pakistan in the second ODI of the five-match series in Durban on Tuesday. 

The day started with the home side captain Faf du Plessis winning the toss and opting to field first on a dry looking pitch. 

His decision proved a correct one as the visitors were reduced to 112 for the loss eight wickets in 32 overs. 

But from there on, it was all Hasan Ali’s show who scored a breathtaking 59 off just 45 balls with the help of five fours and three sixes, along with captain Sarfraz Ahmed (41 off 59), managed to take the Men in Green to a respectable total of 203. 

For South Africa, Phehlukwayo was the best bowler on show as he claimed figures of four for 22, where left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi had figures of three for 56. 

In reply, Proteas too had a horrid beginning and were reduced to 80 for five in the 15th over, courtesy sublime bowling performance from the Green Caps.

But a match-winning unbeaten 127-run partnership between young Van der Dussen and Phehlukwayo ensured the home side in getting over the line with eight overs to spare. 

Van der Dussen finished the innings with the top score of 80 not out off 123 balls with the help of nine fours, whereas Phehlukwayo scored unbeaten 69 off 80 balls, which included seven fours and two sixes. 

For Pakistan, left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed three, whereas leg-spinner Shadab Khan claimed two wickets.

For his outstanding all-rounder performance, Phehlukwayo was named player of the match.