AB DeVil-errs against Unpredictable Pakistan @SA V/s PAK: ICC WC2015
South Africa lose to Pakistan, go down fighting by 29 runs (D/L method) in a low-scoring contest
In a low scoring thriller, Pakistan got the better of South Africa by 29 runs as AB de Viller’s 58 ball 77 runs went in vain. Electing to bat, Pakistan for once got off to a steady start and at one stage were looking set for a 300 runs target after being 156 for 3 in 3 in the 32nd over but some brilliant death bowling by Dale Steyn triggered a familiar Pakistan batting collapse and they were eventually bowled out for 222 runs without even batting out their full quota of overs. Dale Steyn was the wrecker-in-chief for South Africa with 3 wickets with Morkel and Abott also chipping in with 2 wickets each. For Pakistan, Misbah was again the savior with his batting. He top scored with a well-deserved half century. The other notable contribution came from Sarfaraz Ahmed who scored a run-a-ball 49. South Africa were handed a revised target of 232 runs to win from 47 overs due to rain interruption.
South Africa’s chase began on a positive note despite losing Quinton de-Kock in the opening over of the match to the 7 feet giant Irfan. They had raced to when calamity struck and suddenly South Africa were staring down the barrel with half their side back in the pavilion and still requiring a further to win the match. AB de Villers was the only bright spot in the batting for South Africa as he raced his way to a breezy 77 runs of just 58 balls. But once he fell in the form of the 9th wicket of the innings, the match was as good as over with Africa still requiring 31 runs to win the match. Eventually, South Africa was bowled out for 202 runs in just under 34 overs thereby handing Pakistan a much needed 29-runs victory. For Pakistan, Irfan, Ali and Riaz took 3 wickets each.
SA & PAK: Two Contrasting Tales
Time and tide wait for none. The tide has turned and it has turned handsomely. After huge back to back defeats against India and weak West Indies teams, Pakistan seemed down and almost out. But in a major twist of events, they have come from nowhere to win both the following matches; the latest win coming against the hot South Africans. It seems Pakistan have picked themselves up and are peaking at the right time prior to the knockout stages. On the contrary, South Africa must be searching for answers after their second defeat in the group stage.
South Africa’s Title Favorites OR Not?
South Africa have blown hot and cold in this tournament so far. After being humiliated by India in just their second match of the tournament, the warning bells were ringing for the South Africans in this tournament but it seemed that they had returned to their best after demolishing West Indies and Ireland in the following matches. But now a defeat to Pakistan and shadow looms large over their progress in the tournament.
Pakistan close in on Knockouts Berth
Pakistan had the worst possible start to this edition of the world cup and just when it seemed all is lost for them, they have risen in unison and are now a force to reckon. Their victory over South Africa, their 3rd in the tournament have propelled them to the third spot in pool B behind unbeaten India and South Africa. A win against the associates Ireland and they are through to the knockouts, which not so long ago seemed to be a far cry for the Pakistan side.
Article by : Suhail (AISSMS, Pune )
