Belligerent Quinny helps Proteas bounce back to level series with commanding win over Pakistan

NO DOUBT, South Africa needed to pick themselves up after losing the T20I series and then a narrow defeat in the opening ODI in Faisalabad, and they delivered in style in the second match on Thursday evening, drawing level in the three-match series with an eight-wicket victory.

De Kock leads the way

Quinton de Kock’s 123 not out – the first century since his ODI comeback and the 22nd of his career – was the backbone of South Africa’s chase. 

Opening with Lhuan-dre Pretorius, the pair laid the foundation with an 81-run stand before Pretorius fell for 46 off 40 balls (7x4, 1x6). Tony de Zorzi joined de Kock and the two compiled a 153-run second-wicket partnership, taking the Proteas comfortably past Pakistan’s target of 270 with 59 balls to spare.

De Kock reached his fifty off 48 balls and his century despite a review against him on 98 that confirmed the ball had pitched outside leg. “De Kock’s presence seems to be a galvanising factor to the young Proteas left-handers,” observers noted, as he quietly celebrated with the dressing room rather than exuberantly on the field.

De Zorzi, meanwhile, showcased freedom and intent, particularly through the leg-side. He fell for 76, but his knock complemented de Kock’s innings and helped set up a comfortable finish.

Bowlers come to the party

Earlier, South Africa’s bowlers had restricted Pakistan to a total that was ultimately reachable. Left-arm seamer Nandre Burger and leg-spinner Nqabayomzi Peter, making their first appearances of the series, claimed career-best figures of 4/46 and 3/55 respectively. 

Burger’s new-ball spell was particularly decisive, removing Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan within the first five overs.

Disciplined support came from Corbin Bosch, Donovan Ferreira, and Bjorn Fortuin, who kept runs in check at under six per over. Pakistan’s innings featured half-centuries from Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, and Mohammad Nawaz, with Nawaz finishing unbeaten on 59, but the total was never enough on a night dominated by South Africa’s batsmen.

Rising stars flex

Pretorius, Ferreira, and Sinethemba Qeshile, all making ODI debuts in the series, showed promise despite the initial defeat, suggesting South Africa’s rebuilding phase is taking shape. 

Meanwhile, De Kock’s calm authority, combined with the freedom afforded to emerging players like Pretorius and de Zorzi, bodes well for the Proteas as they head into the final ODI of the tour.

Saturday’s third ODI, again in Faisalabad, will decide the series and close South Africa’s all-format tour of Pakistan. With de Kock back in form and the bowling unit finding rhythm, the Proteas enter the final match with confidence and several positives to build on.