After the first ODI between South Africa and Pakistan that ensured the viewers were at the edge of their seats, it was another nail-biting contest between the two sides as they locked horns against each other on Saturday at Durban in the second ODI of the three-match series.
Winning the toss and electing to field first, Pakistan restricted the hosts to 252-7 in 50 overs. The opening pair of Lizelle Lee (47) and Laura Wolvaardt (27) stitched a 52-run partnership to lay a solid foundation. Skipper Sune Luus (32) and middle-order bat Lara Goodall (26) too made some useful contributions. The star performer with the bat was unequivocally Marizanne Kapp, who smashed a 45-ball 68. Her unbeaten innings was laced with 10 boundaries and a six. The all-rounder came in the 33rd over and was there till the end to take her side above the 250-run mark. With the ball for Pakistan, Diana Baig and Nashra Sandhu were the pick of the bowlers as they scalped two wickets apiece.
In reply, chasing 253 at just over five runs per over, Pakistan did not get off to the best of starts. Kapp who had a wonderful outing with the bat made the most of the ball in hand as she sent the opening pair of Nahida Khan (8) and Muneeba Ali (0) back to the hut inside four overs. Omaima Sohail (41) and Nida Dar (51) looked to consolidate the innings. Coming lower down the order, Aliya Riaz played one of her best innings as she packed a punch with 81 off 95. With the way Riaz was playing there was a glimmer of hope in the Pakistan dressing room. However, she fell in the 48th over against the run of play, and with her the Pakistani hopes also faltered. The Proteas tamed Pakistan to 239-8 in 50 overs, winning the match by 13 runs. Ayabonga Khaka and Marizanne Kapp were the wreckers-in-chief with the ball as the duo picked up four and three wickets respectively.
South Africa leads the three-match ODI series 2-0, which makes the third ODI a dead rubber. It will be played on Tuesday at the same venue. South Africa will look for a whitewash while Pakistan will want to redeem themselves before the two sides clash in the T20 series.
Brief Scores: South Africa 252-7 in 50 overs (M Kapp 68 not out, L Lee 47; D Baig 3-43, N Sandhu 2-46)
beat
Pakistan 239-8 in 50 overs (A Riaz 81, N Dar 51; A Khaka 4-40, M Kapp 3-44) by 13 runs
I am a former cricketer having represented Mumbai University at All India University level. I was a part of MCA probables for the U-19 and U-23 age group. I have been an avid cricket writer for the last five years. Currently I am pursuing my Ph.D from IIT Bombay.