South Africa's Burger Shines, Nawaz Lifts Pakistan Total
South Africa's pacer Nandre Burger delivered a four-wicket performance that disrupted Pakistan's batting early. However, a determined half-century from Mohammad Nawaz helped Pakistan reach a competitive total of 269-9 in their 50 overs at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.
Early Collapse for Pakistan
Opting to bat first, Pakistan faced a rocky start as Burger quickly dismantled the top order. Fakhar Zaman was caught behind for a duck on the third ball of the opening over. Shortly after, Babar Azam was dismissed after scoring 11 runs from 13 balls. Mohammad Rizwan, the wicketkeeper, also fell cheaply for 4, leaving Pakistan struggling at 22-3 in just 4.5 overs.
Recovery Through Partnership
A stabilizing 92-run partnership between Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub helped Pakistan regain footing. Over 119 balls, Saim played a more aggressive role while Salman provided steady support, which set the platform for a respectable total.
Bowling Highlight
Nandre Burger’s exceptional bowling was the highlight for South Africa, claiming four wickets in his full quota of 10 overs to keep pressure on the Pakistani batsmen.
Pakistan Squad Batting Line-up
- 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
- Abrar Ahmed
"South Africa pacer Nandre Burger took a four-wicket haul to derail Pakistan batting lineup before a gutsy half-century from Mohammad Nawaz propelled the home side to a competitive total."
Author's Summary: Despite an early collapse caused by South Africa’s Nandre Burger, Mohammad Nawaz’s resolute half-century enabled Pakistan to reach a solid 269-9 in their 50 overs.