De Kock smashes ton as South Africa level ODI series against Pakistan

De Kock's Century Levels ODI Series Against Pakistan

South Africa comfortably chased a target of 270 runs with eight wickets in hand and 59 balls remaining to equalize the three-match ODI series 1-1 against Pakistan at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad on Thursday.

Strong Start by Openers

Chasing 270, openers Lhuandré Pretorius and Quinton de Kock set a solid foundation with an 81-run partnership in just 11.5 overs. Pretorius scored 46 off 40 balls, featuring seven fours and a six, before falling to Mohammad Wasim after being dropped earlier by Mohammad Nawaz at deep square leg.

De Kock’s Masterclass

Quinton de Kock played a commanding unbeaten innings of 123, his 22nd ODI century, off 99 balls. He reached his half-century from 55 deliveries and maintained control with a mixture of poise and power, punishing loose deliveries with sixes against Faheem Ashraf and Shaheen Afridi.

Key Partnership and Support

Tony de Zorzi contributed an aggressive 76 off 63 balls. His 153-run partnership with de Kock was pivotal in sealing the victory after Pretorius’ strong start. De Zorzi hit nine fours and three sixes before being caught by Faheem Ashraf in the 35th over.

Finishing Strong

South Africa captain Matthew Breetzke supported de Kock towards the end. The chase was completed in 40.1 overs when de Kock gently guided a single to backward point off spinner Saim Ayub, marking South Africa’s joint-biggest win by wickets over Pakistan in Pakistan.

“De Kock anchored with poise and power for his 22nd ODI century, and Tony de Zorzi, whose aggressive 76 off 63 balls formed a match-winning 153-run partnership.”

Series status: South Africa 1 - 1 Pakistan after two ODIs.

Author's summary: Quinton de Kock’s unbeaten century led South Africa to a decisive eight-wicket win, leveling the ODI series against Pakistan with a dominant chase completed in just over 40 overs.

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Dawn Dawn — 2025-11-06

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