Babar Azam was dismissed by a spectacular catch from South Africa’s Aiden Markram during the second ODI between Pakistan and South Africa on Wednesday, December 19, at Newlands Stadium, Cape Town.
He made a strong comeback as he scored a determined fifty, keeping Pakistan’s hopes alive for a big total in the second ODI. He displayed his class and looked in excellent form on a challenging pitch, bringing up his 39th fifty-plus score in SENA countries.
After Pakistan batted first, Babar came in following Abdullah Shafique’s dismissal. He struck a few boundaries early, but South African bowlers tightened their grip as the run rate dropped. Babar reached his half-century off 73 balls and began accelerating.
On the final delivery of the 33rd over, Babar Azam looked to score another boundary with a pull shot to a half-tracker bowled by Andile Phehlukwayo. However, the ball flew directly to Aiden Markram at square leg, who took an exceptional catch, sending Babar back to the pavilion.
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— PCT Replays 💚 (@PCTReplays) December 19, 2024
Babar Azam batted for 95 balls, accumulating 73 runs, which included seven boundaries, before he was dismissed. After his departure, Agha Salman came to the crease, with Pakistan’s score at 168-3.
Pakistan pushed towards a 300-run total in the SA vs PAK 2024 2nd ODI.
South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first in the second ODI, with David Miller returning to the squad. Left-arm fast bowler Kwena Maphaka made his debut for the Proteas in the format. Pakistan suffered an early setback, losing Abdullah Shafique (0 off 2) in the first over without scoring.
In the 10th over, Saim Ayub followed Shafique back to the dressing room. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan (80 off 82) then formed a crucial partnership, adding 115 runs for the third wicket to stabilize Pakistan’s innings. At the time of writing, Pakistan were 243/5 after 43 overs.
South Africa currently lead the three-match ODI series 1-0.
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