PAK Vs SA, 2nd ODI: Quinton de Kock Hundred Powers South Africa To Series-Levelling Win | Cricket News

Quinton de Kock celebrates after hitting century. (AP Photo)

Quinton de Kock scored a brilliant century, and Nandre Burger took four wickets as South Africa defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in their second one-day international on Thursday. De Kock, playing his second ODI after reversing his decision to retire in 2023, scored an unbeaten 123, anchoring a successful 270-run chase with 9.5 overs to spare at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.

This victory leveled the three-match series at 1-1, after Pakistan won the first match by two wickets. The deciding match will take place on Saturday, also in Faisalabad.

De Kock formed a solid 81-run partnership for the opening wicket with Lhuan-dre Pretorius (46) before adding 153 runs for the second wicket with Tony de Zorzi, who scored an impressive 76 off 63 balls.

The trio launched an aggressive attack against Pakistan’s pace bowlers. De Kock hit eight fours and seven sixes, while Pretorius contributed seven boundaries and one six.

De Kock reached his 22nd ODI century with a couple off Mohammad Wasim, despite Mohammad Nawaz dropping him on 15.

De Zorzi increased the scoring rate with three sixes and nine boundaries before being caught off Faheem Ashraf with 36 runs needed. Skipper Matthew Breetzke sealed the win with a single, remaining 17 not out.

“I set myself high goals, so I am happy to bat well today,” said De Kock. “I think Nandre set us up well with early wickets, and then we batted well to chase that down.”

Earlier, South African fast bowler Burger recorded his best ODI figures of 4-46, restricting the home team to 269-9. The 30-year-old dismissed Pakistan’s first three wickets in his opening three overs after the hosts won the toss and chose to bat.

From 22-3, Pakistan rebuilt their innings with half-centuries from opener Saim Ayub and Salman Agha, who added 92 for the fourth wicket, and later from Nawaz, leading to a competitive total.

Burger struck with his third delivery, having opener Fakhar Zaman caught behind by De Kock for a duck. He then claimed Babar Azam in the slips for 11 and four balls later, Mohammad Rizwan was bowled for four.

Ayub scored 53 off 66 balls with a six and five fours, while Agha made a steady 69 from 106 deliveries. Ayub was caught and bowled by Corbin Bosch in the 25th over, while Agha was bowled by Bosch in the 41st.

Down the order, Nawaz blasted a run-a-ball 59 with four sixes and three fours, while all-rounder Faheem made 28 as Pakistan added 90 runs in the final 10 overs.

“I think we put up a good total but did not bowl and field well,” said Shaheen. “We will come back strongly.”