The Proteas batted first in the One-Day International and scored 352/5 in their 50 overs, with Heinrich Klaasen scoring 87, Matthew Breetzke 82, and Temba Bavuma 82.

Klaasen was in destructive form with the bat on his return, hitting 11 fours and three sixes in his innings, which lasted just 56 balls. Breetzke, in turn, struck 10 fours and a six to take his tally to 233 runs in the two ODIs after scoring a career-high 150 on debut against the Black Caps. Bavuma looked good with the bat and managed 13 fours before being run out by Saud Shakeel.

Kyle Verreynne was also in good touch, contributing a handy 44 at the backend of the South African innings.

Shaheen Afridi was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers, taking 2/66 in his 10 overs, while Naseem Shah and Khushdil Shah each claimed a wicket.

Salman Agha scored 134 in reply and captain Mohammad Rizwan made an unbeaten 122 as Pakistan chased down the target with an over to spare. Agha hit 16 fours and two sixes, while Rizwan struck nine fours and three sixes.

Wiaan Mulder was South Africa's most successful bowler with 2/79, while spinner Keshav Maharaj was the most economical, finishing with 0/54 in his ten overs.

Matthew Breetzke. Photo: Cricinfo

The flat wickets certainly didn't make it easy for the bowlers, but that said South Africa will field a much stronger bowling attack going forward.

Speaking after the match, Proteas coach Rob Walter felt that despite the back-to-back defeats in Lahore and Karachi, it was still a valuable exercise, especially with their sights set on the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.

“Absolutely, I think we have more information now than we did before, both for Lahore and here in Karachi,” said Walter.

“So, from that point of view, to have a good understanding of conditions is obviously a win and certainly something we will lean on as we move forward.

Mohammed Rizwan and Heinrich Klaasen. Photo: Cricinfo

“For those in the group that are going to be in the Champions Trophy, it was good preparation for them. Then also for our younger guys who’ve come across and played – Matthew Breetzke, who has really stood up, obviously puts him in good stead moving forward.

“There are plenty of learnings for the younger guys who have not been to Pakistan before and played cricket in these conditions. There’s probably a dual benefit – one for the guys going back home who have experienced Pakistan for the first time, and another for the players and staff moving forward into the Champions Trophy.”

The Proteas will open their Champions Trophy campaign next Friday when they face the tricky Afghanistan side in Karachi.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg