In a thrilling match at the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, South Africa managed to secure a nail-biting one-wicket victory against Pakistan. This victory catapulted South Africa to the top of the tournament table, putting them on equal footing with India at ten points, albeit with an extra game played. Here’s a recap of the dramatic clash in Chennai.
Bowlers Shine as Pakistan Stumbles
The foundation for South Africa’s victory was laid by their bowlers, especially Tabraiz Shamsi and Marco Jansen. Despite Pakistan’s strong start, with a score of 225 for 5 in the 40th over, the Proteas managed to dismiss their opponents for a total of 270 runs in 46.4 overs. Shamsi and Jansen played pivotal roles in dismantling the Pakistani batting lineup.
Markram and Miller Steady the Ship
The South African innings seemed on track when Aiden Markram and David Miller built a 70-run partnership for the fifth wicket. However, when Miller was caught behind, the pressure mounted on Markram, who had been in fine form, even surpassing Virat Kohli to become the second-highest run-scorer of the World Cup during his innings.
Thrilling Finish in Chennai
As the match approached its climax, the balance tipped back and forth. Jansen joined Markram, and together, they took an aggressive approach, closing in on the target with some big hits. However, a breakthrough by Usama Mir, a concussion substitute for Shadab Khan, saw Markram’s dismissal, leaving South Africa with a precarious position and only four wickets in hand.
The tension escalated as Shaheen Shah Afridi and the Pakistani bowlers claimed wickets in quick succession. South Africa found themselves within 11 runs of victory. In a crucial moment, an lbw appeal against South Africa’s No. 11, Keshav Maharaj, was reviewed by Pakistan but turned down, as ball-tracking showed the impact was umpire’s call.
Maharaj Seals the Win
The drama didn’t end there. After a few more tense moments, South Africa managed to secure the one-wicket victory with just 16 balls remaining. It was a thrilling match that South Africa managed to win, breaking the “choker” label that has haunted them in previous tournaments.
Bowlers Shine for South Africa
South Africa’s bowling effort was crucial to their victory, which was impressive on a flat surface. They started with a barrage of short balls, creating pressure early in Pakistan’s innings. In particular, Marco Jansen’s short ball strategy paid off, leading to crucial wickets.
Pakistan’s Batting Struggles
Despite the efforts of skipper Babar Azam (50), Saud Shakeel (52), and Shadab Khan (43), Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled to put up a substantial total. Tabraiz Shamsi claimed four wickets, while Marco Jansen took three, Gerald Coetzee grabbed two, and Lungi Ngidi secured one.
Changes in Playing XI
Both South Africa and Pakistan made some changes to their playing XIs. Injured Hassan Ali was replaced by Mohammad Wasim Jr for Pakistan, and Mohammad Nawaz returned after injury. For South Africa, Temba Bavuma, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Lungi Ngidi replaced Reeza Hendricks, Kagiso Rabada, and Lizaad Williams.
What’s Next?
The win propels South Africa to the top of the ICC World Cup table, ahead of India. In contrast, Pakistan finds itself in a challenging position, currently in sixth place with only four points.
