Rizwan, Klaasen spat in 2nd ODI, Babar Azam steps In | The Express Tribune
Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan and South Africa wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen were involved in a heated verbal exchange during the second ODI in Cape Town on Thursday.
Rizwan’s leadership guided Pakistan to an impressive 81-run victory, securing the three-match series with a 2-0 lead.
The altercation unfolded during the 26th over of South Africa’s chase, with the hosts needing 191 runs to win.
Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf bowled a bouncer that Klaasen let go to Rizwan, which clearly upset the South African wicketkeeper.
The two players exchanged words, escalating into a fiery argument. The on-field umpire, along with former Pakistan captain Babar Azam, intervened to de-escalate the situation before play resumed.
Pakistan set a target of 329, thanks to fifties from Babar Azam, Rizwan, and all-rounder Kamran Ghulam. In response, Klaasen’s 97 kept South Africa’s hopes alive, but Pakistan’s bowlers, led by pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, dominated the latter stages of the chase.
Afridi took three wickets in as many overs, with Klaasen being the last man dismissed on 248 in the 44th over.
Pakistan’s victory marked their second consecutive ODI series win on foreign soil, following their 2-1 triumph over Australia in November.
