2nd ODI: Fakhar Zaman's brilliant century in vain as South Africa win thriller

South Africa defeated Pakistan by 17 runs in the second ODI of the ongoing three-match series between the two nations. The game was held at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. This triumph helped the Proteas draw level 1-1, following a defeat in the opening clash by three wickets. However, South Africa could well have lost the game following an excellent 193 by Fakhar Zaman. Zaman helped Pakistan remain in contention till the end, smashing the ball to all corners of the ground. The 30-year-old accumulated 193 runs off 155 deliveries, with eighteen boundaries and ten sixes to his credit.

Zaman enjoyed limited support from other players after the Asian side was handed a mammoth target of 342 runs. However, he continued to battle it out, finishing with the highest individual score while chasing in ODIs. The opener has further registered the second-highest individual score in a losing cause, in the same format. Zimbabwe batsman Charles Coventry’s 194 against Bangladesh is the highest score. Not only this, the 30-year-old further became the first Pakistan batsman to score a ton in ODIs in Johannesburg.

How the match unravelled

South Africa posted a total of 341 runs for the loss of six wickets, after being sent in to bat. Skipper Temba Bavuma (92) was the top run-scorer, with Quinton de Kock (80) providing valuable support. Rassie van der Dussen (60 off 37 balls) and David Miller (50* off 27 deliveries) delivered a fine finish. Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers, accounting for three dismissals.

Pakistan lost opener Imam-ul-Haq early, with Babar Azam rebuilding the innings alongside Fakhar Zaman. However, Azam’s dismissal triggered a collapse with Mohammad Rizwan, Danish Aziz, Shadab Khan and Asif Ali surrendering their wickets meekly. However, Zaman continued to fight before being dismissed in a controversial manner by De Kock.

De Kock pointing ball is coming into the bowlers end and faking Fakhar Zaman. pic.twitter.com/IlhvxWJTNN

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 4, 2021

The South African wicketkeeper has been accused of indulging in an act of fake fielding by pointing at the bowling end in an attempt to disrupt the opener’s concentration. Zaman slowed down and looked back, resulting in him being run-out. While the jury is still out over the nature of the dismissal, one can certainly expect an exciting series decider in a couple of days.