Abrar and Naseem took three wickets as SA posted a target of 264 runs for Pakistan

FAISALABAD: Quinton de Kock Shines on ODI Return Before Pakistan Bowlers Hold Back South Africa to 263.

Quinton de Kock scored a glittering half-century on his ODI comeback. But the bowlers of Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah, dominated with the ball, taking three wickets each to restrict South Africa to 263 in 49.1 overs.

South Africa started positively after being sent in to bat. It was marked by an excellent opening performance of 97 by Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius in only 15.6 overs. On the good batting track, the two had all the control, timing the ball well, and getting the scoreboard running.

This was a challenge, especially for Pakistan's pace attack, as Pretorius was constantly hitting the boundary. By the end of the first power play, South Africa reached 62 runs, laying a strong foundation for their innings.

The partnership ended when Pretorius was dismissed in the 15th over on 57 off 60 balls, seven fours and a six. De Kock hit 50 off 48 balls and followed it with a steady 43-run alliance with Tony de Zorzi, taking South Africa to 141 for 1 in 24.3 overs.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.

South Africa: Matthew Breetzke (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Sinethemba Qeshile, Corbin Bosch, George Linde, Bjorn Fortuin, Lungi Ngidi, Lizaad Williams