Pakistan once again proved itself having been unpredictable in the game of cricket as following a humiliating defeat against India, green shirts bounced back and beaten ICC top ranked South Africa at Edgbaston on Wednesday night.
Like many previous games in ICC Champions Trophy 2017, Pakistan-South Africa ODI was also heavily affected by rain which eventually led the result to be finalized on D/L method in Pakistan’s favour. Pakistan was declared winner by 19 runs against South Africa.
Pakistan dominated South Africa throughout the game and restricted its strongly batting lineup to just 219 runs in stipulated 50 overs. Even current world number 1 AB de Villiers had to face his first golden duck in his over 200-match ODI career.
From South Africa, only David Miller showed restrained and took the team’s score to 219 runs with his individual 75 runs. But no other South African batsmen seemed causing any problem for Pakistani bowlers.
Pakistan have won 5 out of their last 6 games against South Africa in ICC tournaments. #CT17
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) June 7, 2017
There are some other scenarios too but best for Pakistan to qualify for SF from here would be India beat South Africa and Pak beat SL. #CT17
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) June 7, 2017
Entire bowling attack of Pakistan played its part in the game as Hasan Ali took 3 wickets, Junaid Khan and Imad Wasim took 2 each while Muhammad Hafeez grabbed one wicket.
Chasing 220 runs, Pakistan had a flying start as the debutant Fakhar Zaman scored quick 31 runs with 6 fours. Following his dismissal, Azhar Ali and Muhammad Hafeez also returned to pavilion after scoring 9 and 26 runs respectively.
Later rain arrived when Pakistan’s score was 119 in 27 overs with Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik still at the crease on 31 and 16 runs respectively.
In the end, Pakistan was declared winner on D/L method over South Africa by 19 runs as rain continued to lash Edgbaston. Hasan Ali received Man of the Match award.
With the much needed victory against South Africa, Pakistan bagged 2 points and placed itself in number 3 of four-team group B of ICC Champions Trophy 2017.
