Pakistan secured a historic victory over South Africa on their home soil, following their triumph against Australia in their backyard.
While chasing a target of 330 runs, South Africa were bundled out for 248 in 43.1 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi led the charge with the ball, claiming four wickets, while Naseem Shah took three, Abrar Ahmed picked up two, and Salman Agha sent one to the pavilion.
Heinrich Klaasen was the lone bright spot for South Africa, scoring 97, though he narrowly missed a century. The game could have been more competitive had Klaasen received better support. However, once David Miller was dismissed, South Africa s resistance crumbled as Pakistan continued to pick up wickets from the other end.
The foundation for Pakistan s convincing 81-run win, which also secured the series, was laid by experienced batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. At Newlands, Pakistan posted a formidable total of 329 all out, powered by Babar’s 73 and captain Rizwan’s 80. The duo combined for a crucial 115-run partnership off 142 balls for the third wicket.
Fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi ( 4/47) and Naseem Shah (3/37) were the standout performers, ensuring a commanding victory for Pakistan.
Pakistan s total of 329 all out was set up by Babar (73) and captain Rizwan (80), who put on 115 off 142 balls for the third wicket.
The victory secured Pakistan an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. It marked their fifth consecutive series win and the third triumph for the Champions Trophy hosts in the southern hemisphere season, following successful campaigns in Australia and Zimbabwe.
"It s a team game, from beginning to end all of the guys are involved and contributing,"Rizwan said.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, whose combined 204 one-day appearances surpassed the total caps of the rest of the team, batted with composure and maturity until Babar was dismissed with the score at 192 in the 33rd over.
"Me and Babar started slowly. We were looking for 300 but we got 320-plus. I have never seen Kamran Ghulam play an innings like that," said Rizwan.
South Africa maintained a brisker scoring rate than Pakistan for much of their innings, but despite all of their top six batters getting starts, only Heinrich Klaasen managed to convert his into a substantial score.
