FAISALABAD: Pakistan has bounced back by picking up quick wickets in the match against South Africa after the visitors have got off to a flying start in the Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad in the first of the three ODI matches series.
South Africa have lost three quick wickets after the visitors were well set at one stage to set a target of 350 mark quite comfortably.
Having won the toss, the skipper of the Pakistani team Salman Ali Agha chose to bowl first.
South Africa got off to a bristling start as the openers Pretorius and De Cock made a 98-runs opening stand smashing Pakistan’s bowlers to all parts.
Pretorius was the first one to be dismissed after scoring 57 runs knock after he was caught by Mohammad Nawaz off Saim Ayub.
De Cock, after playing a smashing knock of 63 runs. He was bowled by Nasim Shah as he played one on to the stumps.
Tony De Zorzi, the man in a terrific form, also got off to a start but was caught and bowled off the bowling of Saim Ayub.
It is worth mentioning that Pakistan and South Africa have a head-to-head record of playing 87 ODI matches.
South Africa are way ahead in the head-to-head record with 52 wins. Pakistan has 34 wins to their names.
Pakistan had also whitewashed South Africa in a three matched ODI series during their tour to South Africa last year.
Ab De Villiers has been the leading runs scorer from South Africa with 1423 runs in just 32 matches averaging just under 60.
Mohammad Yousaf made 1116 runs from Pakistan smashing two hundreds and nine 50s.
Waqar younis has 58 ODI wickets against South Africa whereas Mkhaya Ntini picked up 49 wickets against Pakistan leading his side in the head to head contest.
Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad is hosting an international match after 17 long years.
