Pakistan Secures ODI Series with Shaheen Afridi and Kamran Ghulam’s Heroics
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- December 20, 2024
- 5:08 pm
- 29
- Sports
Pakistan secures ODI series victory over South Africa with a commanding 81-run win in the second match at Newlands, Cape Town. Shaheen Afridi’s sensational four-wicket haul and Kamran Ghulam’s explosive 63-run knock helped Pakistan seal the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Pakistan’s Batting Dominance
Batting first, Pakistan overcame a shaky start to post an imposing total of 329 runs. After losing Abdullah Shafique for a duck, skipper Mohammad Rizwan (80) and Babar Azam (73) stabilized the innings with a crucial 115-run partnership.
Kamran Ghulam provided the late fireworks with a blazing 63 off just 32 balls, smashing five sixes and four boundaries. His innings lifted Pakistan from a competitive 300 to a formidable 329, giving the bowlers a strong platform to defend.
Shaheen Afridi Leads the Bowling Attack
Defending 329, Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance. Shaheen Afridi spearheaded the attack with figures of 4/47, dismantling South Africa’s batting lineup. Naseem Shah provided excellent support, claiming 3/37.
Despite Heinrich Klaasen’s valiant 97, South Africa fell short at 248 runs in 43.1 overs. Klaasen’s dismissal in the 34th over marked a turning point, sealing Pakistan’s victory and their fifth consecutive bilateral ODI series win.
Historic Milestones for Pakistan
This victory was not just another series win—it was a historic achievement. Pakistan became the first Asian team to secure three ODI series wins on South African soil, adding to their earlier triumphs in 2013 and 2021.
As they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan’s consistent performances are a strong indicator of their ambitions to reclaim the title they last won in 2017.
Kamran Ghulam’s innings was absolutely fantastic. We were looking for 300 but we got 300-plus, must give credit to him. I had trust in him but not like that … that was something different.
South Africa’s Struggles
South Africa started positively, with Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi contributing an opening stand of 34. However, consistent breakthroughs by Pakistan’s bowlers left the hosts struggling at 205/7 by the 37th over.
Heinrich Klaasen’s 97 and David Miller’s 29 provided some resistance, but the lack of middle-order stability proved costly.
I thought we had control of the game in the first 25 overs. We didn’t have the wickets but we had the run rate in check. But in the next 25 we let them express themselves too much and they added over 200 runs, and that was always going to put us under pressure.
Key Performances
Kamran Ghulam: 63 runs (32 balls), 5 sixes, 4 fours
Shaheen Afridi: 4/47 in 10 overs
Mohammad Rizwan: 80 runs (80 balls), 10 boundaries, 3 sixes
Babar Azam: 73 runs (95 balls), anchoring the middle-order
Naseem Shah: 3/37, providing crucial breakthroughs
Pakistan Eyes a Clean Sweep
With the final ODI in Johannesburg approaching, Pakistan will aim to complete a clean sweep, while South Africa looks to salvage some pride. This series has showcased Pakistan’s dominance, setting a strong tone for their Champions Trophy preparations.
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