South Africa opener Quinton de Kock continued his return to international cricket with a match-winning century to propel his side to an eight-wicket win over Pakistan in their second one-day international in Faisalabad on Thursday.
De Kock, who reversed his international retirement and made himself available again after a two-year absence, scored an unbeaten 123 to secure a comfortable win at the Iqbal Stadium and level the three-match series.
South Africa scored 270-2 from their 40.1 overs, easily chasing Pakistan’s 269-9 from their 50 overs. De Kock featured in an 81-run partnership with teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who scored 46 runs, as they began a blistering reply.
But it was a second-wicket stand of 153 off 137 balls with Tony De Zorzi, who scored 76 off 63 balls, that sealed the victory. De Kock’s 22nd ODI century came in 96 balls and with captain Matthew Bretzicki seeing his side home with nearly 10 balls to spare.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat and were reeling at 22-3 in the fifth over, before Saim Ayub (53) and Salman Ali Agha (69) each scored half-centuries as they put together a 92-run fourth-wicket partnership.
Mohammad Nawaz scored a career-best 59 to ensure a competitive total for the hosts, who cruised to a narrow win over South Africa in the first ODI on Tuesday.
Left-arm seamer Nandre Burger took 4-46 and off-spinner Nqaba Peter also took career best figures of 3-55 and were the two best bowlers on the night. The two teams will meet in the decisive match again in Faisalabad on Saturday.
Story continues below this ad
Pakistan had earlier won the toss and elected to bat. South Africa lost all their throws – seven times – during their tour of the country. Pakistan made two changes after chasing 264 in the first ODI on Tuesday. Allrounder Faheem Ashraf replaced struggling batsman Hassan Nawaz and fast bowler Mohammad Wasim replaced leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed. South Africa have dropped fast bowlers Lungi Ngidi and Lezad Williams and drafted bowlers Nkabayomzi Peter and Nandre. The Test series played by the two teams previously was drawn 1-1. Pakistan then won the T20I 2-1.
