Pakistan secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against South Africa with a victory in the second match, marking a historic achievement. The national team has now won an ODI series in South Africa for the third time.
Pakistan is the first team in the 21st century to win three ODI series in South Africa, achieving this feat in 2013, 2021, and 2024.
Overall, Pakistan has played seven bilateral ODI series in South Africa, winning three of them. This accomplishment also makes Pakistan the second team overall to win three or more ODI series in South Africa.
Australia is the only other team to achieve this milestone, having won three ODI series in South Africa out of 10 played. Their victories came in 1997, 2002, and 2011.
This remarkable achievement highlights Pakistan's growing dominance and adaptability in South African conditions.
Rizwan attributes series win to team effort
Reflecting on the second ODI match after his team's comprehensive victory, skipper Mohammad Rizwan emphasised the team's collective effort.
"All of the guys were involved, and everyone performed well. Myself and Babar decided to go slow and lay the foundation. We were looking at 300, but we made 329, thanks to Kamran Ghulam's fantastic hitting," Rizwan said.
"As a skipper, I have the trust and belief in him (Kamran), but not that much as he played today," he chuckled.
Kamran Ghulam, named Player of the Match for his stellar contribution, expressed his delight at delivering in a crucial game. "I am very happy that I performed well and we won the series. The last couple of years the team has performed well, and I am happy," he said.
The bowlers played their part by containing South Africa's batters, ensuring that Pakistan's total remained out of reach. Rizwan praised the bowling unit, stating, "The bowlers then bowled well to restrict them."
With the series already secured, the final ODI will be played on Sunday, December 22, in Johannesburg. Pakistan will aim to complete a clean sweep, while South Africa will look for redemption in the last game of the ODI series.
Mohsin Naqvi congratulates team on series win
Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, has congratulated the national cricket team for their victory in the second ODI and the series against South Africa.
In his statement, the PCB Chairman praised the players for their exceptional teamwork, which led to the series win. He noted that this success would boost the morale of the team ahead of upcoming challenges.
"The players demonstrated outstanding performance by defeating South Africa on their home ground," Naqvi said, highlighting the contributions of Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, and Kamran Ghulam, whose impressive batting laid the foundation for the win.
Expressing optimism, he added, "I hope the Pakistani team will continue this remarkable performance in the Champions Trophy tournament as well."
Pakistan defeated South Africa by 81 runs in the second ODI, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Klaasen fined for breaching ICC Code of Conduct
South Africa player Heinrich Klaasen has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the second ODI against Pakistan in Cape Town on Thursday.
Klaasen was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match."
In addition to this, one demerit point has been added to Klaasen's disciplinary record, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period. The incident occurred after the last ball of the match, when Klaasen kicked the stumps on his dismissal.
Klaasen admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for a formal hearing.
On-field umpires Alex Wharf and Lubabalo Gcuma, third umpire Nitin Menon, and fourth umpire Allahuddien Palekar levelled the charge.
Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player's match fee, and one or two demerit points.
