Kamran Ghulam, Shaheen Afridi Star; Pakistan Seal Back-To-Back Away ODI Series Wins

Right-hand batter Kamran Ghulam and left-arm seamer Shaheen Afridi's exceptional performances guided Pakistan to victory over South Africa by 81 runs in the second ODI of the three-match series at the Newlands on Thursday. With this win, Pakistan take a 2-0 lead in the three-match series with the last fixture to be played at Johannesburg on Sunday. The Asian side got half-centuries from skipper Mohammad Rizwan (80), Babar Azam (73) and Kamran Ghulam (63) when compiling a total of 329 and that proved too much for the Proteas as a clinical bowling performance from Shaheen Afridi (4/47) and Naseem Shah (3/37) guided the visitors home.

It was Pakistan's fifth bilateral ODI series victory on the trot - following previous series triumphs over Australia and Zimbabwe in recent months - and they also become the first Asian side to have won a trio of ODI series in South Africa have also tasted success in the country in 2021 and 2013.

It also helps Pakistan continue to build momentum prior to next year's Champions Trophy event as they bid to become just the second side to defend the trophy after Australia managed to win consecutive titles in 2006 and 2009.

Pakistan defeated arch-rival India in the final of the Champions Trophy tournament at The Oval in London seven years ago in 2017 and will be considered among the favourites for next year's event based on their current form in 50-over contests.

Rizwan was thrilled with the performance from his side, with the Pakistan captain paying special tribute to Ghulam for his Player of the Match heroics that arrived via some lofty late hitting.

"It was a fantastic team effort with everyone performing exceptionally well. As a captain, it's always a great feeling to see such a performance.