Islamabad: In a thrilling encounter, South Africa triumphed over Pakistan, breaking a 24-year World Cup jinx against their rivals. Aiden Markram played a pivotal role by scoring a crucial half-century, leading South Africa to a nerve-wracking one-wicket victory and inching closer to securing a semi-final spot with their fifth win in six matches.
South Africa’s pursuit of a target of 271 got off to a strong start as Quinton de Kock (24) and Temba Bavuma (28) provided early impetus. However, Pakistan mounted a comeback by taking crucial wickets. Aiden Markram’s composed innings of 91 held the innings together, guiding them closer to the target, which they eventually reached in 47.2 overs.
Usama Mir (2-45) entered the game as a concussion substitute after Shadab Khan sustained an injury while fielding. Mir made an impact by dismissing Rassie van der Dussen and taking a vital catch to remove Heinrich Klaasen. Despite the departure of David Miller (29) and Marco Jansen (20) after contributing quick runs, the Proteas remained determined to secure their first victory batting second in the event.
Pakistan found themselves in a precarious situation at 141-5, but Saud Shakeel (52) and Shadab Khan (43) stitched together an 84-run partnership with powerful strokeplay, guiding the 1992 champions to a total of 270 all out in 46.4 overs.
South Africa’s impressive bowlers, including Tabraiz Shamsi (4-60) and Gerald Coetzee (2-42), managed to dismiss Pakistan’s in-form players. Their efforts ensured Pakistan fell short of setting an imposing total, particularly when Mohammad Nawaz (24) carelessly threw his wicket away.
Earlier in the game, Pakistan experienced an early setback with a double strike by Marco Jansen (3-43) after skipper Babar Azam won the toss and chose to bat. While Mohammad Rizwan (31) steadied the ship alongside the captain, he was dismissed by a bouncer from Coetzee.
South Africa broke another promising partnership when Shamsi removed the aggressive Iftikhar Ahmed (21) during the middle overs, just before Babar notched his third half-century of the tournament. However, Babar’s innings was short-lived, as he gloved a delivery from Shamsi back to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock while attempting a rash sweep. South Africa’s successful review added to Pakistan’s woes, leaving them in need of yet another rescue act that ultimately eluded them.
