PAK vs SA Review: Proteas claim top spot to diminish Pakistan’s semi-final chances

The 25th match of the 2023 ODI World Cup took place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, where Pakistan and South Africa faced off in a humdinger of a contest which the Proteas sealed by the barest of margins to top the points table.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first. Pakistan’s openers, Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique, struggled early on and were dismissed during the first Powerplay. However, the pitch provided an opportunity for both pacers and spinners to make an impact. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan brought stability to the innings, maintaining a steady momentum. Unfortunately, crucial partnerships were hard to come by as wickets continued to fall.

Shamsi, who replaced Kagiso Rabada, aggressively took wickets with his attacking lines. His dismissal of Babar Azam proved to be a turning point. At 141/5, Pakistan seemed destined for a below-par total. However, Saud Shakeel and Shadab Khan’s counterattacking partnership injected life back into the innings. But when Shakeel was dismissed, Pakistan’s hopes were dashed. South Africa’s bowlers cleaned up the lower order, leaving Pakistan with a final score of 270.

South Africa got off to a flying start in the chase. However, they lost in-form batter Quinton de Kock early off Shaheen Afridi. Despite this setback, captain Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen continued to score freely. Unfortunately, Bavuma was also dismissed, leaving South Africa in a precarious position.

Aiden Markram strong and kept scoring runs while wickets fell from the other end. Then David Miller formed a crucial partnership with Markram. It seemed like South Africa would easily chase down the target.

However, they once again began losing wickets, leading to a tense situation. At the end, South Africa needed 11 runs to win and Pakistan needed one wicket to secure victory. Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi displayed great resilience and spirit. Maharaj ultimately sealed the win with a boundary, securing a one-wicket victory for South Africa.

Top Performers of the Match

Aiden Markram (91 of 93)

Aiden Markram’s innings proved to be the most crucial as he scored 91 runs off 93 balls, including seven fours and three sixes. His team was in trouble but Markram stood strong at the one end and played a brilliant knock to win the game.

Tabraiz Shamsi (4/60, 10 overs)

Tabriz Shamsi showcased his bowling prowess with great control, taking four important wickets, including those of captain Babar Azam, Iftikhar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, and Shaheen Afridi. As a result, Shamsi emerged as Player of the Match.

What next?

Going ahead, South Africa will play against New Zealand on November. While Pakistan will take on Bangladesh on October 31.