Picture : ANI/ X
South African almost lived up to their tag as chokers as they survived a scare to beat Pakistan by 1 Wicket in thrilling CWC 23 encounter in Chennai. It was mi win game for Pakistan to keep their semis hopes alive .
Earlier, Pakistan Skipper Babar Azam won the toss on a slow pitch and Opted to bat first . They lost openers Abdullah Shafique (9) and Imam- Ul- Haq ( 12 ) cheaply . Skipper Babar Azam once again hit a 50 and soon got out to an unlikely shot. Mohammad Rizwan ( 31) was aggressive form the start but could not carry on . Iftikhar Ahmed ( 21). But the knocks which pushed Pakistan total to 270 were vital knocks from Saud Shakeel (52) and Shadab Khan (43), and Mohammad Nawaz (24) . Pakistan reaching 270 in 46. 4 overs. Unable to play the full 50 overs in the end cost Pakistan the game in the end .
For South Africa the bowling figures were : Marco Jansen 3/ 43 ( 9 Overs), Lungi Ngidi 1/ 45 ( 7.4 overs), Aiden Markram 0//20 ( 4 overs). Keshav Maharaj 0/56 ( 9 overs), Gerald Coetzee 2/42 ( 7 overs), Tabraiz Shamsi was outstanding 4/60 ( 10 overs)
In reply The Proteas started shakily , Skipper Temba Bavuma scored (280 , Quinton de Kock ( 24), Rassie van der Dussen ( 21) , Aiden Markram anchored the innings with a fine 91 ( 93 balls, 7 fours, 1 six), David Miller ( 29), in-form Heinrich Klaasen fell early for ( 12), Marco Jansen ( 20), Gerald Coetzee ( 10). They lost wickets in flurry thus making the dug-out nervous. Lungi Ngidi ( 4 ) . But the last pair of Keshav Maharaj not out 7 and Tabraiz Shamsi not out 4 saw the proteas home in nerve- wrecking clash. South Africa finishing at 271/ 9 in in 47. 2 overs).
For Pakistan the bowlers gave it all . Iftikhar Ahmed 0/ 23 ( 3 overs), Shaheen Afridi 3/ 45 ( 10 overs), Mohammad Nawaz 0/ 40 ( 6.2 overs), Haris Rauf 2/ 62 ( 10 overs), Mohammad Wasim Jr 2/ 50 ( 10 overs), Usama Mir 2/ 45 ( 8 overs)
Match: World Cup 2023, 26th Match
Venue: Chennai | Date: October 27, 2023
