Burger’s Impact Shakes Pakistan Early in ODI
Nandre Burger tore through Pakistan's top order with three rapid wickets, putting early pressure on the home side in the second one-day international against South Africa at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.
Challenging Pitch and Early Wickets
The slow and uneven pitch made batting difficult, and although Pakistan's total of 269-9 seems modest, the side remains competitive halfway through the match. Conditions are expected to worsen in the second innings.
Left-arm fast bowler Burger (4-46) struck early. With the third ball of the game, Fakhar Zaman gloved a pull shot to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock. Burger then claimed two more wickets in his third over: Babar Azam (11) caught at slip by Donovan Ferreira, and Mohammad Rizwan (4) bowled after an inside edge.
Pakistan’s Recovery Efforts
Opener Saim Ayub stood firm, contributing a patient 53 and forming a 92-run partnership over 20 overs with Salman Agha, who paced the innings with caution.
"Salman reached his half century from 82 balls with just three boundaries before Corbin Bosch bowled him with a straight yorker after a remarkable reflex catch by Bosch off a full-blooded drive."
Bowling Highlights
- Burger’s 4 wickets disrupted Pakistan’s top order early.
- Corbin Bosch made a pivotal impact with both a stunning catch and a crucial yorker to dismiss Salman Agha, who scored 69 from 106 balls with five fours.
Despite a slow and tough batting surface, Pakistan’s resilience keeps the match finely poised as South Africa looks to capitalize in the second innings.
Summary: Burger’s early breakthroughs put Pakistan on the back foot, but a steady partnership and determined batting kept the hosts competitive in difficult conditions.
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