Pakistan cricket team creates history in South Africa

Pakistan have made a significant mark in cricket history by securing a 2-0 series win over South Africa in the second ODI, triumphing by 81 runs on Thursday night, Express Tribune reported on Friday.

This victory makes Pakistan the first team in the 21st century to win three bilateral ODI series against South Africa on their home soil.

The team’s earlier wins came in 2013 and 2021, with the latest triumph in 2024 marking another remarkable achievement in just seven attempts.

What sets Pakistan's success apart is their ability to perform under challenging conditions in South Africa, a feat only matched by Australia, which needed 10 series attempts to achieve the same milestone.

Pakistan’s adaptability and resilience were on full display as they clinched the series with a dominant performance in Cape Town.

Chasing a target of 330, South Africa were bowled out for 248 in just 43.1 overs, handing Pakistan the 81-run victory.

The standout performances came from captain Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, and player of the match Kamran Ghulam, each contributing vital half-centuries.

The pace duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah were pivotal in the victory, taking seven wickets for 84 runs in a combined 16.1-over spell.

Pakistan’s win marks their third successive ODI series victory, following successful campaigns against Australia and Zimbabwe.

With this win, Pakistan now joins Australia as the only teams to have won three or more ODI series in South Africa.