2nd ODI: Pakistan Set 270-Run Target Against South Africa
In the second ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 269/9 in 50 overs, thanks to half-centuries from Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, and Mohammad Nawaz.
Choosing to bat first, Pakistan faced early trouble as South Africa's left-arm pacer Nandre Burger dismantled the top order, dismissing Fakhar Zaman for zero, Babar Azam for 11, and Mohammad Rizwan for four.
With Pakistan struggling at 22/3 within 5 overs, Agha and Ayub built a resilient 92-run partnership for the fourth wicket, stabilizing the innings.
"The duo launched a recovery by putting together a gutsy 92-run partnership for the fourth wicket."
Saim Ayub was eventually caught and bowled by Corbin Bosch in the 25th over, finishing with a notable 53 runs off 66 balls, including five fours and a six. Later, Hussain Talat was dismissed by Nqabayomzi Peter for 10 in the 30th over.
Salman Agha then combined with Mohammad Nawaz to add 59 crucial runs for the sixth wicket, before Agha fell to Bosch in the 41st over.
"Agha was then involved in another crucial partnership for Pakistan when he put together 59 runs for the sixth wicket with fellow all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz."
Pakistan's innings was boosted by late hitting, helping set a challenging target of 270 for South Africa to chase.
Author's summary: Pakistan overcame an early collapse with key partnerships and solid half-centuries to post 269/9, setting South Africa a challenging target in the second ODI.