Fakhar Zaman’s 193 not enough as Pakistan lose to South Africa in 2nd ODI

Johannesburg, April 4

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Opener Fakhar Zaman’s scintillating 193 was not enough for Pakistan who lost the second ODI to South Africa by 17 runs today as the hosts levelled the three-game series. Fakhar was left to do it all on his own as Pakistan reached 324/9 in reply to South Africa’s 341/6, his power-hitting including 18 fours and 10 sixes for the record score in ODIs in Johannesburg, beating the 175 by Herschelle Gibbs against Australia in 2006.

It was also the best score by a visiting player to South Africa, with the next highest in today’s Pakistan innings being 31 from captain Babar Azam. Fakhar’s magnificent innings off 155 balls ended in bizarre fashion when he cantered home for a second run off the first ball of the final over, but a throw from the fence by Aiden Markram was a direct hit and the batsman’s excellent chance for a second double-ton in the 50-over format was gone.

The tourists had elected to field first and South Africa’s impressive total was boosted by four fine half-centuries, each different in their make-up.

Newly-appointed captain Temba Bavuma scored 92 from 102 balls and warmed to his task as the innings wore on, while opener Quinton de Kock looked edgy and had luck in his 80 from 86 balls.

Rassie van der Dussen, who got a century in the first match on Friday, kept up his good form with a powerful 60 from 37 balls that included four sixes, before David Miller finished the innings with 50 not out from 27 balls.

Brief scores: South Africa 341/6 (Bavuma 92, de Kock 80, van der Dussen 60, Miller 50*; Haris 3/54); Pakistan 324/9 (Fakhar 193; Nortje 3/63). — Reuters