2nd ODI: Nandre Burger Rattles Pakistan with 4 Wickets
In the second One Day International between South Africa and Pakistan, Nandre Burger produced a fiery opening spell that dismantled Pakistan’s top order. His early strikes left the home side tottering at 22 for 3 before a slow recovery began.
South Africa’s Early Breakthroughs
Burger dismissed Fakhar Zaman in the very first over, caught by Quinton de Kock off the third ball. He then removed Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in his third over, tightening the grip on Pakistan’s innings.
Pakistan’s Middle-Order Resistance
Despite the rough start, Salman Agha and Saim Ayub built a resilient 92-run partnership that helped Pakistan regain stability. Ayub scored a cautious 53, while Agha compiled a patient 69 from 106 balls before Ayub fell to Bosch.
Late Surge and Total Score
After the middle order collapsed under pressure, Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf counterattacked in the final overs. Nawaz hit an energetic 59 off 59 balls, and Naseem Shah hammered 22 runs from the last over bowled by Peter, guiding Pakistan to 269 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs.
Burger ended with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 46 runs in 10 overs, including a late dismissal of Faheem Ashraf in the 47th over.
Resulting Position
Pakistan’s innings, though shaky at the start, managed to reach a defendable total thanks to determined efforts by Agha, Ayub, and Nawaz. Burger’s spell set the tone for South Africa’s dominance early in the game.
Author’s summary: Nandre Burger’s four-wicket haul crippled Pakistan early, but key partnerships and a late charge pushed them to a respectable 269 for 9 in the second ODI.