Champions Trophy Match 7: South Africa vs Pakistan

Champions Trophy Match 7: South Africa vs Pakistan: Scorecard

As only Pakistan can do, they have managed to follow up a diabolical display of cricket in their previous match where they appeared like rank amateurs at times, to coming out and doing most things right to claim an unlikely victory. On the other side of the coin, as only South Africa can do, they have managed to look like the favourites they have been proclaimed to be in one match, before choking completely against an opposition they should surely have had the betterment of, and lost a match under unusual circumstances in a meek and mild fashion at yet another major world tournament. And so the cricket world continues.

Having won the toss and batted, South Africa would have been distraught at only making 8/219 off their 50 overs. Amla, de Kock and de Villiers were all out-thought by the spinners, with de Villiers’ golden duck spooning his first ball to backward point a back breaking dismissal. For all of his excellence in recent years, he appears to be at a crossroads in regards to his game. At 6/118 when Parnell was dismissed Pakistan must have imagined a chase of around 150 was within their sights. However, David Miller stood his ground with 75 not out and the CricketBoks scrapped their way to their final total. He had to review an LBW decision that he was given out on that gave him his reprieve, and Chris Morris was bowled off a no ball, both of which helped.

Pakistan got off to a flier thanks to debutant Fakhar Zaman, who flayed the bowling early for six boundaries to score 31 off 23 balls before his demise. When Azhar Ali went two balls later however, the tide was reeled back in. Morne Morkel had one of his superb days, finishing with 3/18 off seven overs, but there was no support from his fellow bowlers. Pakistan moved along at the required rate, reaching 3/119 off 27 overs when the rain finally forced the players from the field. With 101 required from 23 overs and 7 wickets in hand, the stage was set for a terrific finish. Unfortunately, England’s damp June again finished off the match without another ball being bowled. This left Pakistan in front of the Duckworth Lewis requirement by 19 runs, and victors.

Group B has now opened up, and India can ensure their semi-final spot with a victory over Sri Lanka tonight. That would leave two intriguing games for the final semi-final spot, with Pakistan facing Sri Lanka and South Africa likely having to defeat India now to make the next stage. No doubt those old demons have left the closet and are circling once again.