Pakistan return to the fray outplaying SA
Pakistan returned to the fray to keep their hopes alive of qualifying for the semi-finals of the T20 Cricket World Cup as they beat South Africa by 33 runs in their Super 12 match on the DL Method after rain intervened at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday.
Chasing a 186 target in 20 overs South Africa were 69 for 4 in nine overs when rain intervened. When play resumed after the rain break, South Africa’s revised target was 142 in 14 overs meaning they had to make a further 73 runs in five overs and ended up at 108 for 9, short by 34 runs.
South Africa could not get off to a desired start in chasing down the total as prolific opener Quinton de Kock was dismissed in the first over without scoring, caught at mid-wicket attempting to hoist Shaheen Shah Afridi.
The in-form Rilee Rossouw was also out cheaply for 7 to the same bowler that put back South Africa’s chances of winning with potential match-winner David Miller not playing.
Earlier Pakistan made good their decision to bat first after winning the toss as they successfully challenged South Africa’s bowlers and made what was a winning total of 185 for 9 the 20 overs having recovered from 43 for 4 at one stage.
With both openers Babar Azam (6) and Mohammad Rizwan (4) back in the pavilion followed by the dismissal of Shan Masood for 2, Pakistan looked to be in dire straits.
It eventually fell on the shoulders of Iftikar Ahmed and Shadab Khan to salvage the innings after Pakistan also lost Mohammad Haris (28) and Mohammad Nawaz (28).
Ahmed and Khan took the bull by the horns and caused disarray in the South African camp to an extent that they even misfielded which was unbecoming of their reputation as a top fielding side.
Both Ahmed and Khan slammed the bowling with relative ease with the latter striking the ball in full flow reaching 52 in only 22 balls while clouting four sixes to go with his three fours.
In the process, the pair added 82 runs for the sixth wicket in just 5.5 overs as Ahmed hit three fours and two sixes making 51 off 36 balls.
Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada proved to be the most expensive South African bowler conceding 44 runs off his four overs while taking just one wicket.
Anrich Nortje took four wickets but his rewards came at a price conceding 41 runs in the four overs he bowled.
South Africa, still ahead in the points table, have a last match against the Netherlands while Pakistan play their last match against Bangladesh.
India have already qualified for the semi finals despite having a last match against Zimbabwe.
Pakistan must hope that South Africa lose to the Netherlands while they have to beat Bangladesh to have any chance of qualifying for the semi finals.
Scores:
Pakistan 185 for 9 in 20 overs (Mohammad Haris 28, Iftikar Ahmed 51, Mohammad Nawaz 28, Shadab Khan 52, Anrich Nortje 4 for 41)
South Africa 108 for 9 in 14 overs (Temba Bavuma 36, Aiden Markram 20, Shaheen Shah Afridi 3 for 14, Shadab Khan 2 for 16)