FAISALABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan posted a competitive total of 269 for nine against South Africa in the second One Day International (ODI) at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad on Thursday, led by half-centuries from Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Pakistan’s top order collapsed under early pressure from South Africa’s left-arm pacer Nandre Burger.
Fakhar Zaman fell for a duck, while captain Babar Azam (11) and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan (4) also departed cheaply, leaving the hosts reeling at 22 for three in less than five overs.
Burger’s sharp pace and movement unsettled Pakistan’s batters as South Africa seized control of the opening powerplay.
💪 What a strike! Faheem Ashraf hits a MONSTER SIX over backward square leg🔥
📺 Watch live in the UK region, sign up now at https://t.co/Z0RXSR7gYM#PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/j4bJzdocFk
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 6, 2025
Agha and Saim lead Pakistan recovery
With Pakistan struggling, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha staged a crucial 92-run stand for the fourth wicket, restoring stability.
Saim played confidently for his 53 off 66 deliveries, hitting five fours and a six before being dismissed by Corbin Bosch, who took a sharp return catch.
Salman Agha anchored the innings with a composed 69 off 105 balls, featuring five boundaries. His knock provided the backbone of Pakistan’s innings after the early collapse.
💪 Pakistan finish strong! Set a target of 270 for South Africa in the 2nd ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad 🇵🇰🏏
📺 Watch live in the UK region, sign up now at https://t.co/Z0RXSR7gYM#PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/z9TfRyz5gi
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 6, 2025
Nawaz powers late surge
Following Agha’s dismissal, all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz added valuable late-order runs with a brisk 59 off 59 balls, including four sixes and three fours.
Supported by Faheem Ashraf’s quickfire 28 off 18 deliveries, Nawaz helped Pakistan reach a fighting total in the final overs before being dismissed by Nqabayomzi Peter on the penultimate ball of the innings.
Pakistan finished on 269 for nine in 50 overs — a total that looked uncertain at one stage but became competitive thanks to the middle and lower-order resistance.
Nandre Burger was the standout bowler for South Africa, finishing with figures of four for 46 from his 10 overs. Nqabayomzi Peter picked up three wickets, while Corbin Bosch claimed two.
Pakistan lead the three-match series 1–0 after winning the opening encounter. The third and final ODI will be played at the same venue on Saturday, 8 November.
Pakistan Playing XI
Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Mohammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, Faheem Ashraf.
South Africa Playing XI
Quinton de Kock, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke (c), Sinethemba Qeshile, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin, Nandre Burger, Nqabayomzi Peter
