De Kock Secures South Africa's Series Level Against Pakistan
South Africa successfully chased a target of 270 runs with eight wickets remaining and 59 balls to spare in the second One-day International at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad on Thursday. This victory leveled the three-match series 1-1.
Strong Opening Partnership
Chasing 270, the South African openers Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Quinton de Kock started confidently, putting on 81 runs in 11.5 overs. Pretorius, who was dropped by Mohammad Nawaz at deep square leg, scored 46 from 40 balls with seven fours and a six before being caught behind off Mohammad Wasim.
De Kock’s Century and Dominance
Quinton de Kock reached his fifty off 55 balls and maintained a commanding presence throughout the innings. He scored an unbeaten 123, his 22nd ODI century, blending resilience and aggression effectively.
Key Partnership with Tony de Zorzi
De Kock built a crucial partnership of 153 runs for the second wicket with Tony de Zorzi, who contributed an aggressive 76 off 63 balls. De Zorzi began quickly, hitting two sixes off Nawaz in the 23rd over. He ended his innings in the 35th over after striking nine fours and three sixes, caught at point from Faheem Ashraf’s bowling.
Finishing the Chase
De Kock brought up his century off 99 balls with a flick to midwicket, punishing loose deliveries with sixes off Faheem Ashraf and Shaheen Afridi. Supported by captain Matthew Breetzke, De Kock ended the match in the 41st over by guiding a spinner’s delivery to backward point for a winning single.
South Africa achieved their joint-biggest win over Pakistan in Pakistan by wickets.
Author’s summary: Quinton de Kock’s unbeaten century and a strong partnership with Tony de Zorzi led South Africa to an effortless eight-wicket win, leveling the ODI series against Pakistan.