[Watch] Babar Azam in disbelief as Aiden Markram pulls off a stunner to send him back for 73 in SA vs PAK 2024 2nd ODI

Pakistan batter Babar Azam was undone by a stunning catch by South Africa's Aiden Markram in the ongoing second ODI between the two sides on Wednesday, December 19. The match is being played at the Newlands Stadium, Cape Town.

With Pakistan batting first, Babar Azam walked out in the first over itself following Abdullah Shafique's dismissal. He got a couple of boundaries under his belt before the Proteas bowlers tightened the screws. With the run rate falling, Babar, who completed his half-century in 73 balls, decided to up the ante and switched gears effortlessly.

On the last ball of the 33rd over, Babar looked to add another boundary and had the perfect ball served up to him, with Andile Phehlukwayo bowling a half-tracker. Babar pulled the delivery but the ball went straight to Aiden Markram at square leg, who held onto the catch.

Take a look at the screamer below:

Babar Azam's stay in the middle lasted 95 deliveries, with the batter scoring 73 runs, including seven boundaries. His dismissal brought Agha Salman to the middle, with Pakistan's scorecard reading 168-3.

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Pakistan continue push towards a 300-run total in the SA vs PAK 2024 2nd ODI

South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first in the second ODI, with David Miller returning to the team. Moreover, left-arm fast bowler Kwena Maphaka made his Proteas debut in the format. Pakistan lost a wicket in the first over, with Abdullah Shafique (0 off 2) getting dismissed without troubling the scorers.

Saim Ayub followed Shafique to the dressing room in the 10th over. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan (80 off 82) then joined hands to guide Pakistan to a solid platform, adding 115 runs for the third wicket. At the time of writing, Pakistan were 243/5 after 43 overs.

The visitors currently the three-match ODI series 1-0.

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