Pakistan bats first; South Africa chases down the target comfortably to level the series.
Match Details
At the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, Pakistan, South Africa faced in the second match of their three-ODI series in 2025–26. Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first, aiming to set a competitive total on a pitch that looked flat and batting-friendly. The home side hoped for a strong foundation, but South Africa’s reply turned the game clearly in their favor.
Pakistan Innings
Pakistan got off to a shaky start with early wickets, but a middle-order stand brought some respectability to the total. They posted 269 for 9 in 50 overs, a total that looked challenging on paper yet perhaps below what the bowlers wanted on that wicket. Pakistan showed fight at times but could not build a match-winning score, as South Africa’s bowlers kept things tight and prevented the hosts from accelerating in the death overs.
South Africa Innings
South Africa’s chase began assertively. Openers made good use of the power play, especially as the outfield sped up under lights. The key partnership in the game came when Quinton de Kock struck a fluent unbeaten 123, backed well by Tony de Zorzi’s substantial 76. Together they steered South Africa past the target with ease, finishing at 270 for 2 in 40.1 overs. The match was won with plenty of overs and wickets in hand, frosting on the cake for the visitors’ disciplined attack.
What It Means
With this convincing win, South Africa leveled the series 1-1 and handed Pakistan a clear message: they’re in the fight and well-balanced. Pakistan, despite the batters’ effort, will need to dig deeper in the chase-setting department. For South Africa, the batting and fielding both clicked when it counted, and this victory sets up a gripping decider in the series.
Quinton de Kock’s stunning century powered South Africa to victory in the second ODI 💥#PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/8MJwxJeAog
— ICC (@ICC) November 7, 2025