South Africa held out to level the ODI series 1-1 with a 17-run win over Pakistan that was much closer than it should have been because of Fakhar Zaman brilliant 193 in a losing effort.

Fakhar’s score came from 155 balls and he hit 18 fours and 10 sixes to give South Africa a big scare in the second one-day international.

Pakistan were 205-7 at one stage before Fakhar really got going, but ultimately finished on 324-9, chasing 342 to win at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

Fakhar was run out off the first ball of the last over in unusual fashion. He was running back to the striker’s end for two when he slowed down, thinking the throw from fielder Aiden Markram was going to the other end. It wasn’t and a direct hit found Fakhar short.

Even if Fakhar was there to see it through, Pakistan still faced the very steep task of getting 31 off that last over to win.

South Africa’s success was down to a thorough batting display, with 80 from opener Quinton de Kock, 92 from new captain Temba Bavuma and half-centuries from Rassie van der Dussen (60) and David Miller (50 not out).

Van der Dussen 60 came from just 37 balls and Miller’s 50 from 27 deliveries to give South Africa late impetus to post its big total of 341-6.

South Africa’s bowlers then quickly worked through Pakistan’s top order in the chase, with the exception of Fakhar.

Fast bowler Anrich Nortje took 3-63 and the highest score for Pakistan other than Fakhar’s 193 was 31 from Captain Babar Azam.

First ODI

South Africa’s victory comes on the back of Pakistan’s last-ball win in the first ODI at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday.

Batting first, South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen hit 123 not out, his maiden international century.

But South Africa’s total of 273 for six did not seem enough as Babar and Imam-ul-Haq (70) put on 177 for Pakistan’s second wicket, taking them to within 88 runs of victory with 18.2 overs left before Babar was caught behind off Nortje.

During the first ODI, Babar Azam had hit a stroke-filled 103 off 104 balls but his dismissal had started a collapse in which fast bowler Anrich Nortje took four wickets in four overs.

Four wickets fell for 17 runs.

Mohammad Rizwan and Shadab Khan steadied the innings in a partnership of 53 but both were dismissed in the closing overs before Faheem Ashraf hit the winning run off the final ball.

The series-deciding final game is on Wednesday.