South Africa pulled off a heist as Temba Bavuma's men piled misery on Pakistan with a thrilling one-wicket win in their World Cup clash in Chennai on Friday, October 27. With this Pakistan recorded their fourth victory on a row to continue their nightmarish campaign in the the ongoing ODI World Cup.
Despite Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel's fifties Pakistan posted a modest total of 270, thanks to Tabraiz Shamsi's exceptional four-fer. Chasing 271 to win South Africa started well with Aiden Markram's brilliant 91-run knock. But the match then went down to the wire as South Africa found themselves in lurch at 260/9. However Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi held their nerves when the chips were down to take South Africa past the victory line. For the first time even in the World Cup history, Pakistan lost four matches in a row. This win also catapulted South Africa to top of the points table edging Team India.
In a high-voltage chase against Pakistan, South Africa's powerful top order launched an aggressive pursuit of the 271-run target. Quinton de Kock spearheaded the chase with a quick 24, but his innings was curtailed by Afridi. Soon after, Temba Bavuma fell prey to Mohammad Wasim after scoring 28 runs.
The tension escalated as Rassie van der Dussen, after setting up a crucial third-wicket partnership, succumbed to an lbw decision against concussion substitute Usama Mir. At this juncture, the scoreboard reflected a dicey 121/3, giving Pakistan a sliver of hope.
But South Africa's resilience manifested in the form of Heinrich Klaasen, although his stay was short-lived, scoring just 12 before being dismissed by Wasim. The momentum swung back towards the Proteas as Aiden Markram took charge. Markram's composed presence, combined with David Miller's explosive 33-ball 29, peppered with boundaries, steered South Africa closer to their target.
However, Afridi, determined to tilt the match in Pakistan's favor, interrupted their march, sending Miller back to the pavilion. As the climax approached, Marco Jansen infused fresh energy, smashing a quick 20 off 14 balls, narrowing down South Africa's requirement to a mere 36 runs. Yet, his fiery cameo was curtailed by Haris Rauf, courtesy of a brilliant catch by Babar Azam.
As the match progressed, South Africa displayed commendable resilience against Afridi's lethal spell, navigating through the tense overs without much damage. The climax intensified when Rauf showcased his brilliance, not just with a fantastic caught-and-bowled effort against Lungi Ngidi but also coming tantalizingly close to claiming a game-changing lbw against Tabraiz Shamsi. However, the umpire's decision ensured the Proteas stayed in the hunt.
In a match full of twists and heart-stopping moments, South Africa finally brushed aside the "chokers" tag that haunted them for years. Demonstrating immense composure and grit, they sealed the victory, with Keshav Maharaj standing as the final bastion.
Earlier, Despite fifties from Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel, Pakistan couldn't capitalise on their starts and wrapped up at 270 against South Africa. Left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and Marco Jansen played pivotal roles in restricting the Green Shirts.
In the thrilling World Cup match on Friday, Pakistan's batting lineup showed promise but failed to deliver a dominating total. Skipper Babar Azam showed class with a steady 50 off 65, while Saud Shakeel contributed with a run-a-ball 52. Yet, Pakistan struggled to stitch lasting partnerships and faltered towards the end, getting bowled out in just 46.4 overs after electing to bat.
South Africa's bowling arsenal proved effective with Tabraiz Shamsi delivering an impressive 4/60. Adding to the pressure, Marco Jansen's initial spell (3/43) dismantled the top order, and Gerald Coetzee (2/42) kept the middle order in check.
Jansen's impactful start with a maiden over set the tone, dispatching openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq early, pushing Pakistan on the back foot at 38/2. Mohammad Rizwan, despite his brief aggression and partnership with Azam, couldn't capitalize on a dropped chance and was ousted by Coetzee, with the scoreboard reading a concerning 86/3.
Babar's collaboration with Iftikhar Ahmed steadied the ship briefly, but Shamsi's spin magic saw Iftikhar walk back. Shortly after registering his 31st ODI half-century, Babar too was deceived by Shamsi, tipping the scales in South Africa's favor.
The middle order tried to resurrect the innings with Saud Shakeel and Shadab Khan forming a crucial 84-run stand. Aiming to reach a competitive 300, the subsequent batters accelerated but failed to resist South Africa's disciplined bowling. Shadab's dismissal by Coetzee, followed by rapid wickets including Shakeel's, further dented Pakistan's aspirations.
As the innings concluded, Pakistan, despite moments of brilliance, found themselves at a modest 270, with hopes pinned on their bowlers to defend the total.
Pakistan will now face Bangladesh on October 31 while South Africa will take on New Zealand on November 1.
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