PAK vs SA: Pakistan secure unassailable 2-0 lead in ODI series against South Africa

Kamran Ghulam's explosive half-century and Shaheen Afridi's brilliant bowling led Pakistan to a commanding 81-run win over South Africa in the second ODI at Newlands. With this victory, Pakistan has taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The final ODI will be played in Johannesburg on Sunday.  

Chasing a challenging target of 330, South Africa was bowled out for 248 despite a fighting 97-run innings by Heinrich Klaasen. The wicketkeeper-batter’s knock included eight fours and four sixes. Opener Tony de Zorzi contributed 34 runs, but the rest of the batting lineup struggled.  

Shaheen Afridi was the star with the ball, claiming 4/47, while Naseem Shah picked up 3/37 in 8.3 overs. Abrar Ahmed supported well, taking two wickets.  

Earlier, Pakistan had a shaky start after being put in to bat, losing opener Abdullah Shafique for a duck in the first over. However, captain Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam stabilized the innings with a 115-run partnership for the third wicket.  

Babar scored 73 off 95 balls, hitting seven fours, while Rizwan top-scored with 80 off 82 balls, which included 10 boundaries and three sixes. Kamran Ghulam then stole the show with a quickfire 63 off 32 balls, smashing four fours and five sixes. He added crucial runs with Salman Ali Agha (33), Muhammad Irfan Khan (15), and Shaheen Afridi (16) before being dismissed on the first ball of the final over.  

South Africa's Kwena Maphaka was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4/57. Marco Jansen grabbed three wickets, while Bjorn Fortuin and Andile Phehlukwayo took one each.  

Pakistan’s win in this match follows their narrow three-wicket victory in the series opener on Tuesday. With the series already in hand, Pakistan will now aim for a clean sweep in the final match.