De Kock's 123* hands Pakistan a drubbing in second ODI

FAISALABAD: Quinton de Kock’s unbeaten 123* off 119 balls helped South Africa outplay Pakistan in the second ODI to level the three-match series here on Thursday.

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South Africa chased down the 270-run target with ease, losing just two wickets in the process, with 59 balls to spare.

Earlier, opting to bat first here at the Iqbal Stadium, Pakistan managed to post 269-9 on the board in their 50 overs despite a miserable start.

South Africa’s Nandre Burger inflicted a horror start with Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan sent back inside the first five overs.

Zaman was caught behind for nought on the third ball of the opening over, followed by Babar in the fourth. The right-hander made 11 from 13 balls while Rizwan could not extend his stay at the crease and was removed on the fifth ball of the same over for four.

As a result, Green Shirts were in tatters with 22-3 in 4.5 overs.

However, Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub paired up and stitched a 92-run partnership from 119 balls, which steadied Pakistan’s innings. Saim remained the core aggressor while Salman played second-fiddle.

For South Africa, Nandre Burger stood out amongst the bowlers and picked up four wickets in his quota of 10 overs.

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