Nawaz’s Late Fireworks Rescue Pakistan After Burger’s Dominance
Mohammad Nawaz unleashed a game-changing cameo (39 off 27 balls) to lift Pakistan to 269 in the 2nd ODI against South Africa, overcoming a fiery four-wicket spell from debutant Okuhle Burger (4/44). The left-arm spinner’s brutal hitting in the death overs shifted momentum after Burger had reduced Pakistan to 190/7 at Karachi’s National Stadium.
Okuhle Burger’s Dream Debut Stuns Pakistan
South Africa’s rookie pace sensation Okuhle Burger announced his arrival in style, dismantling Pakistan’s top order with raw pace and bounce. The 26-year-old struck in his first over, trapping Fakhar Zaman (2) LBW, before dismissing Imam-ul-Haq (16) and captain Babar Azam (31). His fourth wicket—a searing yorker to Shadab Khan (11)—capped a dream debut (4/44), earning praise from critics and teammates alike.
Key Stat: Burger’s 4/44 is the best figures by a South African debutant in ODIs since 2016.
Middle-Order Resistance: Salman & Rizwan Stabilize
With Pakistan reeling at 85/3, Agha Salman (42) and Mohammad Rizwan (38) rebuilt the innings with a gritty 61-run stand. However, South Africa’s spin duo—Keshav Maharaj (1/39) and Tabraiz Shamsi (1/42)—kept the scoring in check, leaving Pakistan at 190/7 by the 41st over.
Nawaz’s Counterattack Steals the Show
Mohammad Nawaz, better known for his bowling, transformed into Pakistan’s savior with a fearless assault:
– 27-ball 39 (3 sixes, 2 fours)
– 47th over: Smashed Anrich Nortje for 16 runs, including two towering sixes
– Partnership: Added 48 runs with Shaheen Afridi (17) for the 8th wicket
Pitch Insight: Nawaz’s knock was exceptional given Karachi’s sluggish surface, where most batters struggled for timing.
South Africa’s Bowling: Burger Shines, Nortje Struggles
While Burger dominated, Anrich Nortje (1/64) leaked runs at 6.4 RPO. Spinners Maharaj and Shamsi were economical but failed to contain Nawaz in the death overs. The Proteas will rue missed opportunities to restrict Pakistan below 250.
Match Outlook: Can South Africa Chase 269?
With Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma leading the reply, South Africa remain favorites. However, Pakistan’s pace trio—Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah—could exploit Karachi’s evening swing.
Series Context: Pakistan lead the 3-match series 1-0 after winning the 1st ODI by 7 wickets.
