Burger’s Early Strikes and Nawaz’s Counterattack Power Pakistan to 269 in Faisalabad

FAISALABAD: Nandre Burger, South Africa left-arm pacer, set the tone with an opening devastating spell. He took 3 early wickets in the first five overs, leaving Pakistan under pressure. The pace was then made by the all-rounder of Pakistan Mohammad Nawaz, whose 59 off 59 balls was the highest of his career to provide the hosts with a target of 270 in 50 overs at Iqbal Stadium.

Pakistan opted to bat first, but it was a nightmare. Burger bowled with pace and movement and dismissed Fakhar Zaman for a duck on the third ball. The left-hander scratched a possible pull to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, and that was what followed.

The next wicket was Babar Azam. He escaped a very close leg-before appeal, but Burger was too accurate. The right-hander was squared up and edged to slip to Donovan Ferreira 11 out of 13. Mohammad Rizwan was dismissed next to him after hitting a boundary. 

Then, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha played together with maturity and shared a 92-run stand off 119 balls on the fourth wicket. Saim scored 2nd ODI fifty on 61 deliveries. Salman held the alliance together with a strong will, preventing it from falling apart. His restraint allowed Pakistan to recover and come back to its feet following the initial carnage.

Captain Matthew Breetzke’s bowling changes eventually paid off when Corbin Bosch broke the stand. Saim drove firmly back toward the bowler, who reacted brilliantly to take a low catch in his follow-through. The breakthrough gave South Africa the opening it needed, and the pressure began to rebuild on the hosts.

Pakistan’s recovery gained new life when Mohammad Nawaz arrived at the crease. Known for his clean hitting, Nawaz played himself in before taking charge in the final ten overs. His intent was clear from the start, stepping out to Bjorn Fortuin for a straight six and later punishing Bosch over mid-off.

Agha, who had been the steady hand, departed for 69 when Bosch’s inswinging yorker rattled his stumps. But Nawaz ensured Pakistan didn’t lose momentum. As wickets fell around him, he maintained the tempo, finding the boundary with crisp strokes and punishing anything loose. His ability to rotate strike and clear the field kept South Africa’s bowlers from settling.

The final five overs belonged to Nawaz. Pakistan, who were 210 for 6 after 45 overs, added 59 runs in the last five, driven by Nawaz’s late fireworks. 

Naseem Shah’s last-ball six excited the Faisalabad crowd as Pakistan ended with 269 for 9.

Nandre Burger took 4/46  in 10 overs. His opening onslaught was very aggressive, and Pakistan was stunned. Peter took three wickets.

Despite the total looking below par at one stage, Nawaz’s counterattack changed the complexion of the innings. His partnership with Agha in the middle and his assault at the death gave Pakistan the momentum they desperately needed. The crowd, silenced early, erupted again as Nawaz and the tailenders took charge in the closing overs.

Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Wasim Jr. will be seeking to take advantage of any movement. The spin will be handled by Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed.

South Africa will use Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, and captain Matthew Breetzke as anchors to their chase. The 2nd half might be tough, since the visitors had a strong batting lineup.

As the players left the field, Faisalabad’s crowd applauded for both sides. 

1st Inning Scores:

Pakistan 269/9 (50 ov)

Salman Ali Agha 69 (106), Mohammad Nawaz 59 (59), Saim Ayub 53 (66); Nandre Burger 4/46, Nqabayomzi Peter 3/55