De Kock Smashes Century as South Africa Levels ODI Series Against Pakistan
South Africa chased a target of 270 runs comfortably, winning by eight wickets with 59 balls remaining. Quinton de Kock played a brilliant, unbeaten 123 runs to lead South Africa to a commanding victory in the second One-day International at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad on Thursday. This win leveled the three-match series at 1-1, with the chase completed in just 40.1 overs.
Strong Start by Openers
South Africa’s openers, Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Quinton de Kock, confidently laid the foundation with an 81-run partnership in 11.5 overs. Pretorius, who was dropped by Mohammad Nawaz at deep square leg, scored 46 runs off 40 balls including seven fours and a six before getting out edging Mohammad Wasim to wicketkeeper Rizwan.
De Kock's Dominant Century
De Kock anchored with poise and power for his 22nd ODI century.
De Kock reached his fifty from 55 balls and then accelerated his innings smoothly. He brought up his century off 99 balls, showcasing his power by punishing loose deliveries with sixes off bowlers Faheem Ashraf and Shaheen Afridi. His composed approach helped South Africa maintain momentum throughout the chase.
Important Partnership with Tony de Zorzi
Tony de Zorzi played an aggressive innings, scoring 76 runs off 63 balls. His partnership of 153 runs with de Kock for the second wicket was crucial after Pretorius’s steady start. Upon entering, de Zorzi attacked immediately, hitting two sixes off Nawaz in the 23rd over. He was dismissed in the 35th over after striking nine fours and three sixes, caught at point off Faheem Ashraf.
Finishing the Chase
With captain Matthew Breetzke supporting him, de Kock led South Africa to victory in the 41st over. He sealed the win by guiding a single to backward point off spinner Saim Ayub. This victory marks South Africa’s joint-largest win over Pakistan in Pakistan by wickets.
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