De Kock’s Century Powers South Africa to Series-Leveling Victory Over Pakistan in 2nd ODI

In the second One-Day International in Faisalabad on Thursday, South African opener Quinton de Kock delivered a match-winning century to lead his team to an eight-wicket victory over Pakistan. De Kock, returning to international cricket after deciding against retirement following a two-year absence, scored an unbeaten 123, securing a comfortable win at the Iqbal Stadium and leveling the three-match series.

South Africa successfully chased down Pakistan’s total of 269 for nine in just 40.1 overs, finishing with 270 for two. De Kock’s stellar performance featured an 81-run partnership with teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who contributed 46 runs. The match was further tilled in South Africa’s favor with a second-wicket stand of 153 runs off 137 balls with Tony de Zorzi, who scored 76 off 63 balls.

De Kock reached his 22nd ODI century in 96 balls, and alongside captain Matthew Breetzeke, closed out the match with nearly 10 overs to spare. After winning the toss, Pakistan initially struggled at 22 for three in the fifth over. However, Saim Ayub (53) and Salman Ali Agha (69) stabilized the innings with a 92-run fourth-wicket partnership. Mohammad Nawaz added a career-best 59, helping Pakistan post a competitive total after their narrow two-wicket win in the first ODI on Tuesday.

Key performances came from left-arm seamer Nandre Burger, who took four wickets for 46 runs, and leg-spinner Nqaba Peter, with career-best figures of three for 55, contributing to South Africa’s dominance. The series decider will be held in Faisalabad on Saturday.