### South Africa Levels ODI Series Against Pakistan with De Kock's Century In a thrilling second One Day International (ODI) match held in Faisalabad, South Africa showcased a remarkable performance, defeating Pakistan by eight wickets. This victory not only leveled the three-match series at 1-1 but also marked a significant comeback for South African opener Quinton de Kock, who scored an unbeaten 123 runs. The match was played at Iqbal Stadium, which is hosting international cricket for the first time in 17 years, adding to the excitement of the event. South Africa chased down Pakistan's total of 269 runs with ease, achieving 270 runs for the loss of just two wickets in 40.1 overs [https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/de-kock-hits-century-as-sa-level-series-in-faisalabad/20251107.htm][https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/cricket/2025/Nov/07/de-kock-century-helps-south-africa-beat-pakistan-in-second-odi]. ### Breakdown of the Match Highlights 1. **Match Overview**: - South Africa chased down a target of 270 runs, scoring 270-2 in 40.1 overs. - Quinton de Kock's unbeaten 123 was pivotal in the chase. - The series is now tied at 1-1, with the final match scheduled for Saturday [https://www.thedailyjagran.com/cricket/pakistan-national-cricket-team-vs-south-africa-national-cricket-team-match-scorecard-quinton-de-kock-century-nandre-burger-babar-azam-form-sa-beat-pak-in-2nd-odi-faisalabad-10278260]. 2. **Key Performers**: - **Quinton de Kock**: Scored 123 runs off 119 balls, including eight fours and seven sixes. - **Tony de Zorzi**: Contributed significantly with 76 runs, forming a crucial 153-run partnership with de Kock. - **Nandre Burger**: Excelled with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 46 runs, effectively dismantling Pakistan's top order [https://www.geo.tv/amp/632346-pakistan-opt-to-bat-first-against-south-africa-in-second-odi][https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/sports/cricket/news/pakistan-vs-south-africa-2nd-odi-sa-win-by-8-wickets-quinton-de-kock-babar-azam-136356464.html]. 3. **Pakistan's Innings**: - Pakistan batted first, scoring 269 runs for 9 wickets in their 50 overs. - Key contributions came from Salman Agha (69 runs) and Mohammad Nawaz (59 runs). - South Africa's bowlers, particularly Burger and Nqabayomzi Peter, restricted Pakistan effectively [https://www.apnews.com/article/pakistan-south-africa-2nd-odi-b7bd7688ecfcca63bd9453e6d1f2e6af][https://www.sportsyaari.com/cricket/quinton-de-kocks-century-helps-south-africa-crush-pakistan-and-level-odi-series-7530]. ### Supporting Evidence and Statistics - **Match Statistics**: - **South Africa**: 270 runs in 40.1 overs, 2 wickets lost. - **Pakistan**: 269 runs in 50 overs, 9 wickets lost. - **Top Scorers**: - Quinton de Kock: 123* (119) - Tony de Zorzi: 76 (63) - Salman Agha: 69 (105) - Mohammad Nawaz: 59 (59) [https://www.thedailyjagran.com/cricket/pakistan-national-cricket-team-vs-south-africa-national-cricket-team-match-scorecard-naseem-shah-wickets-salman-agha-mohammad-rizwan-pak-beat-sa-in-1st-odi-10277831]. - **Bowling Figures**: - Nandre Burger: 4 wickets for 46 runs. - Nqabayomzi Peter: 3 wickets for 54 runs [https://www.flashscore.dk/news/cricket-one-day-international-south-africa-level-odi-series-against-pakistan-with-eight-wicket-win/MBrNh0rT]. ### Conclusion: A Resounding Victory for South Africa In summary, **South Africa's emphatic eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second ODI not only leveled the series but also highlighted Quinton de Kock's return to form with a match-winning century**. The performance of the bowlers, particularly Nandre Burger, was instrumental in restricting Pakistan to a manageable total. The final match promises to be an exciting conclusion to the series, with both teams vying for supremacy [https://www.india.com/sports/quinton-de-kock-unbeaten-123-leads-south-africa-to-eight-wicket-odi-win-over-pakistan-2814965-2025-11-06][https://www.sportsdigest.in/sa-vs-pak-spinners-salman-agha-take-pak-win/168049].