South Africa thrashed Pakistan by eight wickets in the second One-Day International (ODI) at the Iqbal Stadium on Thursday, levelling the three-match series 1-1.

Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan managed 269 for nine in their 50 overs, a total South Africa chased down comfortably in the 41st over for the loss of just two wickets.

Pakistan’s decision to bat first backfired as the top order crumbled under disciplined bowling from the visitors.

The hosts lost their first three wickets for just 22 runs, with opener Fakhar Zaman dismissed for a duck, captain Babar Azam scoring 11, and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan making only 4.

Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub then steadied the innings with a 92-run stand for the fourth wicket. Both registered half-centuries before Saim was dismissed for 53.

Salman top-scored with a patient 69 off 82 balls, hitting three boundaries.

After Pakistan slipped to 131 for five, Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf revived the innings with crucial partnerships.

Nawaz struck 59 off 59 balls, including three fours and three sixes, while Faheem added 28.

The tail contributed modestly, with Mohammad Wasim Jr unbeaten on 12 and Naseem Shah on 6 as Pakistan reached 269 for nine.

South Africa’s pace attack dominated throughout. Nandre Burger claimed four wickets, Ngaba Peter took three, and Corbin Bosch picked up two.

Chasing 270, South Africa’s top order made light work of the target.

Openers provided a strong start, and despite losing two wickets, the visitors reached the total in the 41st over to seal a commanding victory.

The defeat means the three-match series is now tied 1-1 after Pakistan won the first ODI by two wickets.

The decisive third ODI will also be played in Faisalabad on November 8.