SA vs PAK: Babar Azam, Rizwan’s grit leads Pakistan to seal series in Cape Town

Pakistan showcased a commanding performance to clinch an ODI series victory against South Africa with an 81-run win on December 20 at Cape Town, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead.

A stellar batting display, led by the likes of Babar Azam, captain Mohammad Rizwan, and Kamran Ghulam, coupled with a sensational bowling spell by Shaheen Afridi, sealed Pakistan’s third consecutive ODI series win.

Finding form after a long slump, Babar Azam got running alongside Mohammad Rizwan who anchored the innings with a 115-run partnership, showcasing some crucial grit in their approach. Followed by Kamran Ghulam’s explosive knock of 63 off just 32 balls provided the late surge, propelling Pakistan to a formidable total of 330 runs. The batting trio’s efforts left South Africa with a daunting chase, compounded by Afridi’s fiery 4/47 spell that dismantled the Proteas’ batting lineup.

South Africa’s chase began with promise, reminiscent of their approach in Paarl, but faltered under pressure. The hosts struggled to build partnerships, relying heavily on skipper Heinrich Klaasen, who played a heroic knock of 97 off 74 balls. Klaasen’s innings stood out as the only consistent effort in an otherwise lacklustre batting display by the Proteas, who were bowled out for just 248.

Afridi’s lethal pace and reverse swing proved decisive, as he claimed crucial wickets both at the top and during the death overs. His return to form bolstered Pakistan’s all-round performance, which has been their most complete display in ODIs over the past six weeks.

The series victory provides Pakistan a significant morale boost ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be held at their home. For the Proteas, the loss highlighted the need to address inconsistencies in their batting and rethink their aggressive approach.

Rizwan-led Pakistan, rejuvenated after their T20I series loss to South Africa, now shift their focus to the final ODI in Sandton on December 22, aiming for a series whitewash. A clean sweep against a competitive side like South Africa would further solidify Pakistan’s growing momentum in international cricket.