South Africa outclassed Pakistan with six wickets in the second T20I, equalling the four-match series.
After opting to bat first, Pakistan managed to score 140 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. Babar Azam top-scored with run-a-ball 50, hitting five fours. Mohammad Hafeez contributed 32 off 23, striking six boundaries. The pair knitted 58 runs for the third wicket.
For South Africa, George Linde and Lizaad Williams picked three wickets apiece. Linde with his left-arm spin accounted for Mohammad Rizwan (naught), Hafeez and Sharjeel Khan (eight off 12, one six).
The hosts chased down the target in the 14th over for the loss of four wickets. Aiden Markram top-scored with a 30-ball 54, smashing seven fours and three sixes. Wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen returned undefeated on 36 off 21 balls. His innings included four fours and a six.
For the visitors, Usman Qadir was the most successful bowler with two wickets for 26 runs in three overs.
In an after-match discussion, Babar said: “Early wickets which we lost cost us the game. We didn’t have partnerships. Credit to the South Africa bowlers. The aggression cost us the game. The players were not complacent. It was a new wicket and they bowled well. I have confidence in my team and we will do well in the next match.”
The visitors have 48 hours to bounce back for the third match of this series, scheduled to take place on Wednesday.
