Lone Hand From Heinrich Klaasen Not Enough To Save Proteas From Pakistan Series Loss

Pakistan clinched their second consecutive ODI series victory in South Africa with a comprehensive 81-run win over the Proteas at Newlands on Thursday night. Set a record target of 330, South Africa could not keep up with the required run rate, despite a valiant 97-run effort from Heinrich Klaasen, who followed up his 86 from the previous match.

Shaheen Shah Afridi was outstanding with the ball, using reverse swing to finish with impressive figures of 4/47. Klaasen fought a lone battle, supported by brief contributions from Tony de Zorzi 34, Rassie van der Dussen 23, Aiden Markram 21, and David Miller 29, but none could form a significant partnership with him.

In contrast, Pakistans experienced duo of Babar Azam 73 and Mohammad Rizwan 80 combined for a solid 115-run partnership for the third wicket. After losing openers Abdullah Shafique duck and Saim Ayub 25, the pair absorbed early pressure and steadied the innings with a mix of singles and occasional boundaries. Rizwan broke the shackles with a six off Aiden Markram, and both batsmen reached half-centuries. However, Babar and Rizwan were dismissed in quick succession, with Babar caught off Andile Phehlukwayo and Rizwan caught-and-bowled by debutant Kwena Maphaka.

Pakistan posted 329 all out, and South Africa was bowled out for 248, handing Pakistan an 81-run victory and a 2-0 series win.