Quinton de Kock’s Comeback Century Helps South Africa Level Series

Quinton de Kock returned to the international scene with a spectacular record as he scored an unbeaten 123 to help South Africa beat Pakistan by eight wickets to clinch the series. In 241 balls, South Africa chased down the target. De Kock and Tony de Zorzi built a 153-run 2nd-wicket stand, where de Zorzi scored 76.

The game began with an opening partnership of 81 between de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius. De Kock led the team to victory with Matthew Breetzke as the other batsman.

South Africa were fluent and aggressive in batting, contrast to Pakistani batters. Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha both scored 50s, but with moderate strike rates of 80.30 and 65.09, respectively, Pakistan lacked the tempo to set a competitive total.

Mohammed Nawaz scored his career-best 59 off 59 balls to provide late aggression, which drove Pakistan to 269/9. This was one of the three excellent performances during the first innings.

Players returning to the side, such as Nandre Burger, a left-arm seamer, and Nqaba Peter, a legspinner, got career bests of 4/46 and 3/55 respectively. Their effort, along with Corbin Bosch, Donovan Ferreira, and Bjorn Fortuin, limited Pakistan to a low total. 

Pakistan XI

Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah

South Africa XI

Quinton de Kock, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Sinethemba Qeshile, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin, Nandre Burger, Nqaba Peter