Pakistan, South Africa win group matches in ICC T20 WC

KABUL (Pajhwok): Pakistan kept its unbeaten start to the T20 World Cup 2021 alive with a closely contested five-wicket win over New Zealand in Sharjah on Tuesday.

Chasing 135, Pakistan were expected to cruise to the target, especially after their 10-wicket drubbing of the mighty Indian side on Sunday. But instead, the chase turned increasingly difficult as Pakistan's trademark batting collapse reared its head again, and threatened to break the hearts of their fans.

At one point in the run chase, Pakistan were 87-5 in the 15th over and the game was slipping away from the clutches of the Men in Green.

This is when Malik and Asif came together to form an unbeaten 48-run partnership in a clutch situation.

Asif's contribution, in particular, was massive as his back-to-back sixes in the 17th over brought Pakistan back in the game and justified his place in the side.

Earlier, Pakistan were led by fast bowler Haris Rauf, who finished with 4-22, as New Zealand posted a paltry 134-8.

In a separate group match South Africa beat defending champions West Indies by eight wickets in their second Super 12 match of the ICC T20 World Cup at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday.

Opener Evin Lewis struck a fine half-century before South Africa restricted West Indies to 143/8. In response, South Africa batters overhauled the target with 10 balls to spare. Rassie van der Dussen (43 not out), Aiden Markram (51 not out) and Reeza Hendricks (39) played match-winning knocks as West Indies bowlers looked on helplessly.

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