Pakistan edged South Africa by 19 runs on the Duckworth/Lewis method on Wednesday to keep alive their Champions Trophy hopes as rain continued to play havoc with the tournament.
AB de Villiers is "due" a big score against Champions Trophy title-holders India according to fellow South Africa batsman David Miller after the Proteas skipper suffered the first golden duck of his one-day worldwide career.
Having conceded 319-3 against India, Pakistan restricted South Africa to 219-8 after losing the toss.
Hasan Ali was the standout bowler for Pakistan, taking 3-24, after spinners Imad Wasim (2-20) and Mohammad Hafeez (1-51) had set Pakistan on their way, accounting for Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock and AB de Villiers between them.
David Miller curbed his natural instincts to help South Africa set a competitive target.
Pakistan, though, were always ahead of the eight ball and when the rain came down after 27 overs during their chase, Babar Azam (31* off 51 balls) and Shoaib Malik (16* off 14 balls) had guided them to 119-3, 19 runs ahead of the par score via the D/L/S method. "But we have to back ourselves to win", Morkel said after his team's match yesterday. We played really good, won our first game in the tournament.
Afridi was particularly impressed with 23-year-old Hasan Ali, who walked away with the man-of-the-match award.
Donald Trump's Cabinet heaps praise on President at first meeting
President , it's an honor to represent the men and women of the Department of Defense", Defense Secretary James Mattis said. "Mr. Trump began the meeting by berating Democrats, including Schumer, for taking longer than he wanted to confirm his Cabinet picks.
South African paceman Morne Morkel backed his team to win against India, saying that it will take "a big team effort" to beat the defending champions.
Wahab Riaz was out from the rest of game due to his ankle injury, Junaid Khan will come to play for Pakistan instead of Wahab for the rest of the tournament. I hope, we, as a team, will try our level best to give the fans something to enjoy.
Junaid Khan looked on cloud nine after picking the wicket of Chris Morris, in the same over, and his overzealous state was the reason Pakistan went upstairs against the umpire's decision in Rabada LBW appeal. The chance of winning is more for South Africa.
Considering South Africa are more vulnerable against spin, Shadab Khan is again expected to be given a go.
The left-hander eventually fell for 33 when, deceived by Morkel's slower ball, he edged to Amla at slip.
Tahir took another good catch, at long leg to dismiss Hafeez (26) off an uppish pull against Morkel.
Comments