South Africa pip Pakistan in nail-biting WC game

KABUL (Pajhwok): South Africa have secured a sensational triumph in a nail-biting game against Pakistan, winning in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Chennai.

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam won the toss and opted to bat. Mohammad Rizwan (31) steadied their innings after Marco Jansen dismissed Abdullah Shafique (9) and Imam-ul-Haq (12).

Shamsi then got rid of the aggressive Iftikhar Ahmed (21) when he looked to raise the tempo in middle overs as South Africa kept their opponents in check, according to the Guardian.

Pakistan’s batters were in trouble at 141 for five but Saud Shakeel (52) and Shadab (43) stitched together an 84-run stand with some powerful stroke-play to reach 270 all out in 46.4 overs.

Shamsi (four for 60) and Coetzee (two for 42) impressed with the ball as Pakistan ultimately fell short of an imposing total.

But Tabraiz Shamsi’s four-wicket haul helped restrict the scoring rate, with Pakistan bowled out in the 47th over.

Chasing 271 to earn their fifth win from six games, South Africa began strongly.

Quinton de Kock (24) and Temba Bavuma (28) landed early blows before Aiden Markram’s nerveless 91 and 70-run partnership with David Miller put them in apparent control at 206 for four.

But South Africa clung on, and Maharaj’s flick to the backward square boundary got his team over the line and sparked huge celebrations.

sa/mud

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