Pakistan Makes History: First Team of the 21st Century to Achieve This Record

Pakistan's cricket team created history in international ODIs, becoming the first team in the 21st century to win three consecutive bilateral ODI series in South Africa. On Thursday, Pakistan secured a commanding 81-run victory in the second ODI, sealing the three-match series 2-0 with one match to spare.

This marks Pakistan’s third consecutive ODI series triumph in South Africa, following victories in 2013 and 2021. Out of seven tours to South Africa, Pakistan has emerged victorious in three ODI series. Australia follows with three series wins in ten tours to the country.

Captain Mohammad Rizwan expressed his delight with the team's performance, saying, "Every player contributed. Despite a slow start, we built a strong foundation through a steady partnership between me and Babar Azam. We aimed for 300 runs but ended with 320 thanks to Kamran Ghulam's exceptional innings. Our bowlers were phenomenal."

In the match, Pakistan batted first and were all out for 329 in 49.5 overs. Rizwan top-scored with 80, followed by Babar Azam with 73, and Kamran Ghulam with a quick 63. In response, South Africa were bowled out for 248 in 43.1 overs, with Heinrich Klaasen narrowly missing a century, scoring 97. Pakistan's bowlers dominated the game, with Shaheen Shah Afridi taking four wickets and Naseem Shah claiming three.