Led by quickfire half-centuries from Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed, backed up by a fine bowling performance, Pakistan registered a comfortable 33-run win (DLS Method) over South Africa to keep their hopes alive in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Barring temba Bavuma's early attack, there wasn't much going for South Africa in the run chase after Pakistan had scored 185 for 9 despite being reduced to 43 for 4 early in their innings. A rain break didn't help matters much, impacted by two wickets in quick succession just before that. The result means that all will be at stake for India, Pakistan and South Africa heading into their respective last matches of the Super 12 stage, against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Netherlands respectively. Pakistan will have to win their last match and then hope that either of India or South Africa lose their respective contests.
Pakistan vs South Africa, 36th Match, Super 12 Group 2 - Live Cricket Score, Commentary
Wayne Parell is trapped legbefore... Tristan Stubbs pulls to the fielder at fine leg... With the required rate mounting, Pakistan are inching closer to a win.
WICKET Heinrich Klaasen gets a top edge while playing across the line but ends up skiing it to Mohammad Wasim, who takes a good, tricky catch. The batters are under pressure of hitting every ball, the bowler is under pressure to not concede runs. It has been an even contest between the two since the rain break. Some fine deliveries by Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi, but ample runs by Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs as well. 94/5 in 10.5 overs
The match is all set to resume and South Africa's revised target will be 142 in 14 overs, which means they need 73 runs in 30 balls. A stiff ask.
Good news coming, we might have some game left. "Stumps are being pitched," says Telford.
Telford, our reporter at the venue, believes "Don't think this will last long."
Rain has stopped play with South Africa at 69/4 in 7 overs. The par score is 85 and Pakistan are comfortably placed.
WICKET Two wickets in three balls. Both the set batters are dismissed by Shadab Khan. He strikes off the first ball by luring Temba Bavuma into a drive but the ball turns, bounces and gets the outside edge to the 'keeper. Two balls later, Aiden Markram is cleaned up with a googly. Pakistan have wrestled back the momentum. But more importantly, South Africa are left behind in the DLS par score with drizzle still on. 66/4 in 7.3 overs
South Africa (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rilee Rossouw, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi
Pakistan (Playing XI): Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah
While we wait for the toss, you can check out our preview: South Africa, going up, meet Pakistan, going down
Hello and welcome to Match 36 of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022, set to be played between Pakistan and South Africa at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This is an all-to-play for affair. A win today will seal South Africa's semifinal berth, while a loss for Pakistan will rule their slim chances. If for nothing else, just enjoy this contest as the two best pace bowling attacks will go head on.
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