Quinton de Kock (Image credit: Cricket SA) South Africa produced a clinical display to level the three-match ODI series against Pakistan with an impressive 8-wicket victory in the second encounter at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad on Thursday. Chasing a challenging 270, the Proteas made light work of the Pakistan side led by Quinton de Kock’s unbeaten 123, his 22nd ODI century, and a brilliant opening stand of 153 runs with Tony de Zorzi.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!De Kock, looking flustered despite the early reprieve, punished the loose deliveries and used the dew to dominate the innings. After a cautious start, de Zorzi played some wonderful knocks to contribute 76 runs before falling, leaving the South African captain and de Kock to finish the chase comfortably.Earlier, Pakistan posted 269/9, courtesy of a designated lower-middle order. Fast bowler Nandre Burger cruised through the top order with a career-best 4/46, removing Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in his opening three overs. Despite an early setback, Saim Ayub (53) and Salman Agha (69) resurrected Pakistan’s fourth-wicket 92-run innings while Mohammad Nawaz’s 59 off 59 balls added a late boost. Faheem Ashraf opened with 28 as Pakistan piled up 90 in the last 10 overs. Corbin Bosch took two wickets for South Africa while Nqabayomzi Peter took 3/55.South Africa’s chase was facilitated by a steady partnership between de Kock and de Zorzi, who added the second highest ODI partnership for the Proteas against Pakistan in Pakistan. The Proteas smashed a combined 11 sixes to help South Africa easily post 270 – the second most successful chase by the Proteas against Pakistan in ODIs.The win not only leveled the series 1-1 but also demonstrated South Africa’s excellent adaptability in foreign conditions. With the final ODI set for Saturday, the decider promises fireworks as both teams look to clinch the series.
