Mohammad Nawaz Powers Pakistan to Competitive Total Against South Africa in Second ODI
At Faisalabad's Iqbal Stadium, Mohammad Nawaz delivered a game-changing performance, scoring a blistering 59 runs, following strong half-centuries by Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha, to propel Pakistan to a challenging total in the second ODI of the series.
Pakistan’s Batting Struggles and Recovery
Choosing to bat first, Pakistan ended their innings at 269 for 9 in the full 50 overs, thanks to a late surge in runs. The innings began poorly as South Africa's left-arm pacer Nandre Burger dismantled Pakistan’s top order early by dismissing Fakhar Zaman for a duck, Babar Azam for 11, and Mohammad Rizwan for 4.
Key Partnerships Stabilize Innings
With Pakistan struggling at 22 for 3 after just 4.5 overs, Salman Ali Agha joined Saim Ayub, and together they forged a vital 92-run stand for the fourth wicket, reviving Pakistan’s innings.
“The crucial stand was eventually broken by Corbin Bosch in the 25th over as he got Saim caught and bowled.”
Saim Ayub starred with 53 runs off 66 balls, including five fours and a six, remaining a key contributor.
Late Innings Fightback
After Hussain Talat fell for 10 to Nqabayomzi Peter in the 30th over, Agha combined with Nawaz to add 59 runs for the sixth wicket. Nawaz’s aggressive batting included five fours, and he remained the top scorer with a determined 69 runs from 105 balls before Bosch ended his innings in the 41st over.
“The right-handed batter remained the top-scorer for Pakistan with a gutsy 69 off 105 deliveries, smashing five fours.”
Summary
Despite early setbacks, Pakistan’s middle and lower order partnerships, led by Nawaz and Agha, helped build a competitive total to challenge South Africa in the ongoing ODI.
Author’s note: Nawaz’s explosive innings and critical partnerships underscored Pakistan’s resilience and set the foundation for a strong fightback in the match.