South Africa vs Pakistan 2018-19: 2nd ODI - Match Report

South Africa Cricket team have bounced back in the five-match ODI series beating Pakistan by five wickets at Durban to level the series 1-1. Meanwhile, if it was the 9th wicket partnership that stood out in the first innings, it was the 6th wicket stand that stood out in the second innings – the one that really mattered.

Batting first, Hasan Ali (59) and Sarfaraz Ahmed (41) mounted an incredible fightback through their 90-run partnership for the ninth wicket as Pakistan recovered from 112/8 to 203. Meanwhile, Pakistan kept losing wickets consistently at the start as they struggled against swing and bounce. Although Shoaib Malik and Shadab Khan got starts stitching small partnership but fell in front of some good bowling of Andile Phehlukwayo. But a massive nine-wicket stand propelled Pakistan to 203 as they managed to give something to their bowlers to bowl at.

However, Pakistan bounced back well, with Shaheen Afridi getting rid of Hasim Amla, Reeza Hendricks and Faf du Plessis early doors. Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller started to bail the host out of trouble depending mainly on ones and twos. Miller soon started to break free as he scored five back to back fours. But his innings ended soon after scoring a quickfire 31 runs off just 26 balls. Shadab Khan’s two quick-fire dismissals once again sent the hosts on the backfoot with five wickets down at 80.

Since then a fantastic partnership held the innings steady for the remainder of the match. Dussen notched his second fifty in his second appearance, with an unbeaten 80, while Phehlukwayo rounded off a memorable display with a maiden ODI half-century, hitting 69* to see off the target.

With the series tied at 1-1, the third encounter of the series between South Africa and Pakistan will take place on January 25 at Centurion.

Twitter Reactions:

https://twitter.com/Cave_Kk/status/1087750681790943238

https://twitter.com/FaisalViewss/status/1087779872343293952

10 di lassi, 20 di chah,
Shaheen Shah, Shaheen Shah ?

?? 2 down for 23 ?#SAvPAK #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/BUggYQU8Dk

— S A A D ?? (@iSaadSays22) January 22, 2019

https://twitter.com/RoshanKrRai/status/1087788813995278336

#میڈیا_گردی_بند_کرو #PakvSA #PMIKVisitsQatar pic.twitter.com/wC11VQ2GOe

— SaaFi (@BKSaFi3) January 22, 2019

This is what cricket is,after many ups and downs South Africa won the 2nd ODI. Pakistan staged come back twice but couldn’t emerge victorious. When SA were 80 for 5 in 15th over it looked Pak will win but we let them off from the hook.#PAKvSA

— Mirza Iqbal Baig (@mirzaiqbal80) January 22, 2019

https://twitter.com/DaneshBhope/status/1087788068353032193

#PAKvSA if Mandela was alive then Mandela to Sarfaraz. pic.twitter.com/r5RbGqOTkJ

— Aslam (@Aslam86123146) January 22, 2019