Pakistan opt to bat first after winning toss against South Africa in second ODI

Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first against South Africa in the second match of the three-game One Day International series at Iqbal Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

The hosts will be looking to build on the momentum from their opening victory, hoping to secure a series win on home soil. Pakistan’s line-up features Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman at the top, with Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan anchoring the middle order. All-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz provide balance, while Shaheen Afridi leads the pace attack alongside Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr.

South Africa, led by Matthew Breetzke, field a strong side with Quinton de Kock keeping wickets. Lungi Ngidi and Lizaad Williams headline their fast-bowling unit, supported by spin options George Linde and Corbin Bosch.

Historically, Pakistan and South Africa have met 88 times in ODIs, with South Africa holding the upper hand, winning 52 matches compared to Pakistan’s 35, while one game ended without a result.

Pakistan enter the match on the back of mixed form in recent ODIs, having suffered series defeats against New Zealand and the West Indies but recovering to take the lead in the current series. South Africa, meanwhile, will be eager to bounce back after losing the first ODI and their recent T20I series, though they have recently enjoyed success against England in ODIs.