Fri Dec 20 11:28:48 UTC 2024: ## Pakistan Clinches ODI Series Win Over South Africa with 81-Run Victory

**Cape Town, South Africa** – Pakistan secured a commanding 2-0 series victory over South Africa in the second One Day International (ODI) at Newlands on Thursday, winning by a comfortable 81 runs. Exceptional performances from Kamran Ghulam (63 runs) and Shaheen Afridi (4/47) spearheaded Pakistan’s triumph.

Pakistan posted a challenging 329 runs, fueled by half-centuries from captain Mohammad Rizwan (80), Babar Azam (73), and Ghulam’s impressive knock. Afridi’s impressive bowling figures, supported by Naseem Shah’s 3/37, then restricted South Africa to 247 despite a strong 97 from Heinrich Klaasen.

This victory marks Pakistan’s fifth consecutive bilateral ODI series win, following successes against Australia and Zimbabwe. It also makes them the first Asian team to win three ODI series in South Africa. The win further boosts Pakistan’s confidence ahead of next year’s Champions Trophy, where they aim to become only the second team to successfully defend the title.

Pakistan captain Rizwan lauded Ghulam’s match-winning performance, highlighting his late-innings hitting as crucial in setting a challenging target. South African captain Temba Bavuma acknowledged his team’s late collapse, stating they let a strong start slip away in the final stages of their chase. The final ODI of the series will be played in Johannesburg on Sunday.

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