Despite a stunning 193 from Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman, the Proteas held on for a 17-run victory in the ‘Pink ODI’ on Sunday to draw the series level 1-1.
As this second one-day clash headed towards the business end, it appeared that Zaman could single-handedly complete the most remarkable of victories for Pakistan, but ultimately it was not to be.
All considered, his remarkable innings ended in the most bizarre fashion when he rather lackadaisically failed to ground his bat as a long-range throw from the boundary came in from Aiden Markram. The direct hit saw Zaman run out just seven runs shy of a stunning double century.
With just a few balls left, any slim hope for Pakistan was dashed, while the Proteas came away with a well-deserved victory.
Earlier in the day, the Proteas had recorded 341-6 batting first, with Temba Bavuma top-scoring with 92 and Quinton de Kock compiling a well-played 80. There were also half-centuries for Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller.
Kagiso Rabada (1-43) and Anrich Nortje (3-63) were the pick of the Proteas bowlers, and although the day really belonged to Zaman, he received no support from any of the other Pakistan batsmen.
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