South Africa Overpowers Pakistan with a Dominant Batting Display in Karachi
Karachi, February 12, 2025: South Africa flexed their batting might in the third match of the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series, posting a commanding total of 352/5 in their allotted 50 overs. Led by a composed knock from skipper Temba Bavuma (82 off 96) and an explosive innings from Heinrich Klaasen (87 off 56), the Proteas set Pakistan a daunting chase under the lights at the National Stadium.
South Africa’s Batting: A Blend of Stability and Aggression
Steady Start, Bavuma Holds the Innings Together
Opting to bat first, South Africa got off to a steady yet aggressive start, with Tony de Zorzi (22 off 18) providing early momentum. He struck three boundaries and a six before falling to Shaheen Shah Afridi in the eighth over, caught by Agha Salman.
Despite the early breakthrough, Bavuma and Matthew Breetzke (83 off 84) built a strong platform with a 119-run partnership for the second wicket. Bavuma, as usual, played the anchor role, finding the gaps efficiently while Breetzke attacked the spinners, punishing Abrar Ahmed and Agha Salman whenever they erred in length.
South Africa reached 170/2 in 28.5 overs when Bavuma was run out, attempting a risky single. His innings, laced with 13 fours, was crucial in setting up the big total.
Klaasen’s Onslaught Pushes South Africa Beyond 350
With Breetzke dismissed shortly after Bavuma, Heinrich Klaasen took center stage and immediately took the attack to the Pakistani bowlers. Playing in his trademark aggressive style, he smashed 11 fours and 3 sixes, scoring at a strike rate of 155.35. His blistering innings of 87 off 56 balls kept Pakistan’s bowlers on the back foot and propelled South Africa past the 300-run mark.
Even after Klaasen fell in the 48th over, Kyle Verreynne (44 off 32)* and Corbin Bosch (15 off 9)* ensured there was no respite for Pakistan, taking South Africa to a massive total of 352/5 at the end of 50 overs.
Pakistan’s Bowling Struggles on a Flat Karachi Track
On a surface offering little assistance, Pakistan’s bowlers had a tough time containing the South African batters. Shaheen Shah Afridi (2/66) was the pick of the bowlers, dismissing de Zorzi and Wiaan Mulder. Naseem Shah (1/68) got rid of the dangerous Klaasen but was expensive.
Khushdil Shah (1/39 in 7 overs) was economical and picked up the crucial wicket of Breetzke, but the rest of the bowling unit faltered. Mohammad Hasnain (0/72 in 8 overs) and Abrar Ahmed (0/63 in 10 overs) struggled to contain runs, conceding boundaries regularly.
