Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said on Thursday that dropped catches played a decisive role in the team’s eight-wicket loss to South Africa in the second ODI at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Afridi acknowledged that Pakistan’s fielding lapses allowed South Africa to dominate the game. “Dropped catches proved costly for us today,” he said, adding that the team would learn from its mistakes ahead of the final match.
Praise for Saim Ayub and Agha Salman’s Partnership
Afridi lauded the efforts of Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha for their fighting partnership, which helped Pakistan recover from a poor start. “Saim and Agha have batted well,” the skipper said. “After losing three wickets early, 270 was a good total. We will make a comeback in the next match.”
De Kock Named Player of the Match
South African opener Quinton de Kock was named Player of the Match for his brilliant unbeaten 123 off 119 balls, which guided his team to victory. His innings included eight fours and seven sixes.
The emphatic win helped South Africa level the three-match ODI series 1-1, with the decider set to be played at the same venue on Saturday.
Meanwhile, South Africa produced a commanding batting performance to defeat Pakistan by eight wickets in the second ODI at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium on Thursday. The visitors comfortably chased a 270-run target with 59 balls to spare, leveling the three-match series 1-1. The final ODI will be played at the same venue on Saturday.
Openers Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Quinton de Kock gave South Africa a flying start with an 81-run partnership. Pretorius struck a 40-ball 46 before Mohammad Wasim Jr dismissed him in the 12th over. Tony de Zorzi then joined de Kock to build a match-defining 153-run stand for the second wicket.
De Zorzi made a brilliant 76 off 63 balls, hitting nine fours and three sixes before falling to Faheem Ashraf. De Kock anchored the innings superbly, finishing unbeaten on 123 from 119 balls, decorated with eight fours and seven sixes. Captain Matthew Breetzke added 16 not out as South Africa sealed victory with ease.
