Pakistan’s batting innings in Rawalpindi was a story of survival, recovery, and late fireworks. After collapsing early to Nandre Burger’s fiery spell, they rebuilt slowly through Saim Ayub and Salman Agha. The pair’s 92-run stand steadied Pakistan when South Africa’s bowlers were in full control. Then came Mohammad Nawaz, who turned the innings with a fearless display of power hitting.
At one stage, Pakistan were 22 for 3, struggling to survive accurate seam and spin. Burger and Nqabayomzi Peter extracted grip and bounce, while Corbin Bosch kept a tight line. However, Nawaz’s late charge completely changed the momentum. His 59 off just 54 balls pushed Pakistan to 269 for 9, a total that looked improbable after 40 overs.
South Africa, despite disciplined bowling, lost control in the final phase. Burger’s 4 for 46 and Peter’s 3 for 55 were bright spots, but their finishing overs hurt. Pakistan’s resilience and smart shot selection in the final overs made the difference. What began as a top-order collapse ended as a respectable total, setting up a competitive second ODI.
Saim Ayub and Salman Agha Build the Rescue Act
Amid chaos, Saim Ayub and Salman Agha brought calm. They rebuilt Pakistan’s innings through patience and timing rather than brute force. Saim found his rhythm early, driving through covers and cutting late to pick gaps. Agha, slower to start, anchored the other end with composure. Their 92-run partnership between overs 15 and 35 stabilized the innings.
Saim reached his second ODI fifty from 61 balls, showcasing his range and maturity. He handled Fortuin’s spin with clever use of the crease and footwork. Agha, meanwhile, took 83 balls for his fifty but provided much-needed solidity. Together, they rotated strike, reduced pressure, and gave Pakistan hope of a late flourish.
However, once Bosch returned, the plan broke. Ayub’s firm drive back at the bowler was caught in a reflex grab. That breakthrough changed momentum again. Hussain Talat fell soon after, handing a return catch to Peter. At 131 for 5, Pakistan’s rebuilding effort looked undone, but another twist was coming.
Burger and Peter Dominate Pakistan’s Top Order
South Africa’s bowlers began with sharp intent and aggressive planning. Nandre Burger set the tone in the very first over, dismissing Fakhar Zaman with a rising short ball that kissed the glove on its way to Quinton de Kock. The early movement and bounce kept Pakistan guessing. Soon, Babar Azam became Burger’s next victim, edging to first slip after a series of probing deliveries.
Bosch nearly trapped Babar earlier with an inswinger, but the review saved him. Yet, the damage was done—Pakistan’s nerves were showing. Mohammad Rizwan also fell cheaply, chopping one onto his stumps while trying to force the pace. Within five overs, the scoreboard read 22 for 3, and Pakistan looked in deep trouble.
Bosch bowled a controlled spell of 0 for 8 from four overs before spin took over. Bjorn Fortuin and Donovan Ferreira slowed the run rate, building pressure that almost earned another wicket through an LBW review. Fortuin bowled with control, while George Linde kept things tight from the other end. For a long time, Pakistan couldn’t find boundaries and looked stuck in survival mode.
The Early Collapse and Tactical Bowling Plan
South Africa’s plan was simple—attack early with bounce, then choke with spin. Burger bowled into the body, forcing horizontal bat shots on a sticky surface. Bosch worked the seam both ways, keeping the batsmen trapped in uncertainty. Once Fortuin and Peter joined in, pressure intensified.
Pakistan’s stroke play vanished under consistent dot-ball pressure. The combination of left-arm seam and legspin kept them defensive for nearly 20 overs. When wickets didn’t fall, control did the damage instead. Pakistan’s body language reflected frustration, and South Africa sensed dominance. But that control wouldn’t last long.
Partnership Under Pressure
What made this stand vital wasn’t just the runs—it was the timing. Saim and Agha batted when wickets were falling and the run rate stagnant. They absorbed pressure from spin, refused risky strokes, and focused on small partnerships. That approach frustrated South Africa’s attack and wore them down gradually.
Agha’s slow but sensible approach made sure Pakistan stayed alive beyond 30 overs. He turned singles into momentum, allowing Nawaz to attack freely later. Without that foundation, Pakistan might have folded for under 200.
Mohammad Nawaz’s Late Blitz Turns the Game
At 210 for 6 after 45 overs, Pakistan were staring at a subpar total. That’s when Mohammad Nawaz shifted gears. Known for his cool temperament, he unleashed raw aggression in the final overs. His 59 came off just 54 balls, featuring clean strikes straight down the ground and over midwicket.
Nawaz began cautiously, assessing bounce and timing. Then he exploded, hitting Corbin Bosch for a straight six and Bjorn Fortuin for a lofted boundary. His acceleration between overs 46 and 50 added 59 runs in the final five overs. It was the innings Pakistan had been waiting for—a fearless finish from the lower order.
He brought up his fifty with a towering six off the first ball of the final over. Then, he hit another four and six before falling to Nqabayomzi Peter, who grabbed a sharp return catch. His blitz lifted Pakistan from a nervous 210 to a fighting 269 for 9.
Agha and Nawaz Provide Pakistan’s Finishing Touch
Agha’s earlier patience combined perfectly with Nawaz’s power hitting. One set up the platform, the other capitalized on it. This contrast defined Pakistan’s recovery. When Agha fell to a Bosch yorker, Nawaz took full responsibility. His confidence spread down the order as Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah added late blows.
The innings ended with Naseem’s huge six, ensuring momentum stayed with Pakistan. Nawaz’s cameo changed not just the score but the tone of the match. From collapse to control, it was an innings built on courage and clarity.
South Africa’s Bowling Gains Amid Pakistan’s Fightback
Despite the late surge, South Africa’s bowlers showed discipline and skill throughout. Burger’s early aggression gave them a dream start, while Peter’s legspin variation caused consistent trouble. Both claimed career-best figures and looked in rhythm for the series. Fortuin and Linde maintained control even without breakthroughs, conceding under 4.6 per over.
What cost them was the finishing phase. Over-attacking lengths in the final overs allowed Pakistan’s lower order to free their arms. Field placements stayed defensive instead of aggressive, giving away easy twos. These small errors turned a dominant position into an even contest. Still, their early discipline suggests South Africa are developing a more balanced bowling core for the long run.
Conclusion
The second ODI in Rawalpindi was a rollercoaster that tested both sides. Pakistan’s top order faltered, the middle rebuilt, and the lower order ignited. Mohammad Nawaz’s late fireworks were the perfect finish to an innings that could’ve collapsed earlier. His power hitting complemented Salman Agha’s composure and Saim Ayub’s resilience.
For South Africa, Nandre Burger and Nqabayomzi Peter proved their quality again. Their early breakthroughs and control showed tactical discipline, but they missed the finishing punch. The contrast between early precision and late looseness defined this match.
Pakistan’s total of 269 for 9 wasn’t massive, but it was full of character. It reflected a team learning to rebuild under pressure and finish strong. With the series hanging in balance, this innings gives Pakistan belief and South Africa a reason to reflect. The next ODI now promises a thrilling battle between control and counterattack.
