In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, South Africa’s Quinton de Kock marked his triumphant return to international cricket with a stellar unbeaten century, leading his team to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second One Day International (ODI) in Faisalabad. The match, held on Thursday, saw de Kock score 123 runs off 96 balls, ensuring South Africa comfortably chased down Pakistan’s total of 269-9 with nearly 10 overs to spare. This victory leveled the three-match series at 1-1. De Kock, who had reversed his retirement decision after a two-year hiatus, showcased his class with a 153-run partnership with Tony de Zorzi (76 off 63 balls) and an 81-run stand with teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius (46). Pakistan, after winning the toss and opting to bat, struggled early at 22-3 but recovered through half-centuries from Saim Ayub (53) and Salman Ali Agha (69), supported by Mohammad Nawaz’s career-best 59. South Africa’s bowlers, Nandre Burger (4-46) and Nqaba Peter (3-55), were instrumental in restricting Pakistan. The series decider will take place on Saturday in Faisalabad.