By - News Beat
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Date: December 14, 2024
South Africa produced a clinical performance to secure a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second T20I of the series at the Gaddafi Stadium. The Proteas chased down Pakistan's target of 176 with relative ease, thanks to an all-round display from their batting and bowling units.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 175/6 in their 20 overs. The top order struggled against South Africa's disciplined bowling attack, but middle-order batsman Iftikhar Ahmed took control of the innings with a 38-ball 65, which included four sixes and five fours.
Captain Babar Azam scored 39 consecutive runs in 30 balls before being dismissed, while Shadab Khan scored 29 runs in 14 balls. South African spinner Tabriz Shamsi took 3/25 and constantly troubled the Pakistan batsmen with his variations.
In reply, the South African openers laid a strong foundation. Reza Hendricks played a brilliant innings of 62 runs off 43 balls, with a mixture of aggression. Hendricks and Temba Bauma (34 off 25) put on a 78-run opening partnership, which ended Pakistan's bowling threat early in the chase.
Even after Bavuma's dismissal, the Proteas' momentum continued. Aiden Markram, known for his composure under pressure, opened the innings with an unbeaten 48 off 28 balls, ensuring that there were no hiccups in the chase. Rasi van der Dusen also scored 22 runs before falling.
South Africa completed the target at 178/3 in 18.4 overs with eight balls to spare.
South Africa:
Reza Hendricks: 62 (43)
Aiden Markram: 48 (28)
Tabriz Shamsi: 3/25
Pakistan:
Iftikhar Ahmed: 65 (38)
Shadab Khan: 29 (14)
Shaheen Afridi: 1/30
The series is now level at 1-1, with the third and final T20I the decider. Both the teams will be eager to secure the series and fans can expect another thrilling encounter.