After winning the toss at the Iqbal Stadium, Pakistan opted to bat first – but from the early overs, it was clear the day would belong to the Proteas. The hosts posted 269/9 in their 50 overs, with Salman Agha grinding out 69 off 109 balls, Mohammad Nawaz adding a brisk 59 from 59, and Saim Ayub contributing 53 from 66. 

But the innings was rocked early on by a fiery spell from left-arm paceman Nandré Burger, who ripped through Pakistan’s top order with three quick strikes to leave them wobbling at 22/3 within five overs.

Nandré Burger. Photo: Cricinfo

Burger ended with superb figures of 4/46 from his 10 overs, while spinner Nqabayomzi Peter claimed 3/55 and Corbin Bosch chipped in with 2/58.

In reply, De Kock and teenage sensation Lhaun-Dré Pretorius laid the perfect foundation with an 81-run opening stand before Pretorius fell for a lively 46 off 40 balls in the 12th over.

Tony de Zorzi then joined De Kock at the crease, and the pair piled on a devastating 153-run partnership for the second wicket. De Zorzi looked in fine touch, hammering 76 off 63 balls with nine fours and three sixes before holing out on a leading edge.

Tony de Zorzi. Photo: Cricinfo

But the day truly belonged to De Kock. The big-hitting opener was in sublime touch, smashing a breathtaking 123 not out off 119 balls, including eight fours and seven towering sixes. Skipper Matthew Breetzke finished unbeaten on 17 as the Proteas cruised home with 59 balls to spare.

Speaking after the game, De Kock praised his teammates for what he called a “clinical all-round performance”.

“We played really nicely today – we kept the pressure on them,” said De Kock.

Quinton de Kock. Photo: Cricinfo

“I set high standards for myself, and that keeps driving me. It’s great to be back with the team and to take on a bit more responsibility. I haven’t batted with a lot of these guys before, but it’s been awesome making new mates out in the middle.”

With the series now level at 1–1, all eyes turn to Saturday’s third and final ODI at the same venue – where pride and the series trophy are both on the line. The first ball will be bowled at 12:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs