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Home » Live Cricket Score » ICC Cricket World Cup, 2019 » Summary

Pakistan vs South Africa Live Cricket Score, Match 30, ICC Cricket World Cup, 2019, June 23, 2019

PAK 308/7 (50)
Pakistan beat South Africa by 49 runs
SA 259/9 (50)
Match over
Commentary :
0.0 : The World Cup has all of a sudden spiced up! We have had complete games in the last few days and to top that, we have witnessed some exciting matches. Another one can be expected here today as Pakistan and South Africa lock horns at Lord's. A must-win game for both the teams as the two can't afford anymore slip-ups. The two sides have their back to the walls and that could probably get the best out of them. Let us hope that is the case. Stay tuned for the toss and teams in a while.
PITCH REPORT - Wasim Akram says there is a lot of grass on the wicket so it might just play on the captain's mind and make his decision difficult at the toss. He informs the curator did mention there is grass on the surface but it is dry underneath. Ends by saying, it is a crucial game so the captain winning the toss should bat first.
TOSS - Up goes the coin and it lands in the favor of Pakistan. THEY WILL BAT FIRST!
Pakistan skipper, Sarfaraz Ahmed, says the wicket looks like a good wicket and they would hope to put runs on the board. States they are not thinking about the semis and for now they are focused on this game, which is an important one for them. Informs they have two changes - Shaheen Afridi and Haris Sohail coming in for Shoaib Malik and Asif Ali.
South African skipper, Faf du Plessis, says there is a lot of pressure in each and every game they play. States he hopes for a good game today. Reckons the team is getting better after each game and today is another opportunity for them. Informs they are playing the same team as it gives them a good balance. Ends by saying they wanted to bowl first.
Pakistan (Playing XI) - Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Haris Sohail (IN FOR SHOAIB MALIK), Sarfaraz Ahmed (WK/C), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Afridi (IN FOR HASSAN ALI).
South Africa (UNCHANGED PLAYING XI) - Quinton de Kock (WK), Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis (C), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir.
Both the teams are out in the middle for their respective national anthems. First it will be South Africa's followed by Pakistan.
We are all set for the action to begin! The Pakistan openers, Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq, make their way out to the middle. Kagiso Rabada has the first new ball in hand and he will be bowling to Imam-ul-Haq. Two slips in place. Here we go...
0.1 : K Rabada to Imam, Pakistan are underway! Not the ideal start from Rabada. He has two slips in place but he bowls this one on the pads, Imam works it through square leg and takes one.
0.2 : K Rabada to F Zaman, Gets his line right this time! Lands it on a length and around middle, no swing on offer though. Zaman defends it out.
0.3 : K Rabada to F Zaman, FOUR! Off the mark in style! That has been slapped! A hit-me ball by Rabada. Short and wide outside off, Zaman slaps it through the cover region and the ball races away to the fence. First boundary of the day.
0.4 : K Rabada to F Zaman, Goes back to attacking the stumps and Zaman defends it onto the ground.
0.5 : K Rabada to F Zaman, Back of a length on off, Zaman goes back and pushes it to covers.
0.6 : K Rabada to F Zaman, Three dots in a row to end! 5 from the first! A little too straight by Rabada. Zaman looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads.
Lungi Ngidi to bowl from the other end.
1.1 : L Ngidi to Imam, Good start by Ngidi. He lands it on a length and around off, Imam defends it out.
1.2 : L Ngidi to Imam, Back of a length now and on off, Imam-ul-Haq stands tall and defends it onto the ground.
1.3 : L Ngidi to Imam, A little too wide outside off this time, it is left alone by the batsman.
1.4 : L Ngidi to Imam, Lovely shot! Slightly fuller and on off, Imam leans into the stroke and hits it through extra cover. It is the longer part of the ground so it does not go all the way. Morris hares after it from mid off and saves a run for his side.
1.5 : L Ngidi to F Zaman, This is on the pads, Zaman works it but finds square leg.
1.6 : L Ngidi to F Zaman, Goes very full and outside off, Zaman reaches out for it, it goes off the toe-end towards mid off for a run.
2.1 : K Rabada to F Zaman, Lands it around leg stump and it is angling away. Zaman looks to work it against the angle but the ball hits the inside edge and then onto the pads.
2.2 : K Rabada to F Zaman, FOUR! Slightly short and it has been put away! Zaman picks the length early, transfers his weight on the back foot and pulls it through mid-wicket.
2.3 : K Rabada to F Zaman, Shortish again on off, Zaman looks to put bat on ball but he gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball rolls towards covers. Zaman wants a run but is sent back.
2.4 : K Rabada to F Zaman, Back of a length around off, Zaman hits it to mid off.
2.5 : K Rabada to F Zaman, FOUR! One bounce and into the fence! Once again Zaman picks the length early here. It is slightly short and on the body, Zaman pulls it again, this time uppishly but away from fine leg and a boundary. Second in the over.
2.6 : K Rabada to F Zaman, Goes back to bowling it just behind a driving length! Zaman pushes it to mid off. A good over this for Pakistan, 8 from it.
3.1 : L Ngidi to Imam, FOUR! Exquisite! Pakistan are dealing in boundaries! A half volley outside off, too easy for Imam. He leans into it and strokes it through covers. No stopping those. First boundary for Imam.
3.2 : L Ngidi to Imam, FOUR! Wow! Another top class stroke! Back-to-back boundaries for Imam and Pakistan. Ngidi bowls another half volley. Imam says thank you very much and creams it through covers.
3.3 : L Ngidi to Imam, Sees there is no swing and straightaway changes his angle, goes around the wicket. Bangs it slightly short too. Imam goes back and defends it onto the ground.
3.4 : L Ngidi to Imam, Good delivery! In the 5th stump channel and it is on a length. Imam-ul-Haq covers his off pole and lets it be.
3.5 : L Ngidi to Imam, Continues bowling it outside off, Imam once again shoulders arms to this one.
3.6 : L Ngidi to Imam, FOUR! Another one through the off side! Third in the over! This is probably the best of the lot. The last two were half volleys. This was slightly behind a driving length. Imam leans into it and hits it on the up through cover-point for a boundary. 12 from this over and 20 from the last two. Pakistan off to a flier.
4.1 : K Rabada to F Zaman, Back of a length on off, it is kept out.
0.0 : We have already seen two delightful drives from Imam. The South African bowlers are either too full or too short on this pitch, poor start...
4.2 : K Rabada to F Zaman, Well fielded! On the fuller side and on the pads, Zaman works it towards short fine leg where Ngidi makes a good stop diving to his right. There was some hesitation in the running as Zaman wasn't sure about whether to go for the run or not to. In the end, he does and they complete it.
4.3 : K Rabada to Imam, Back of a length on off, Imam keeps it out.
4.4 : K Rabada to Imam, Back of a length again, Imam stands tall and defends it onto the ground.
4.5 : K Rabada to Imam, On the body, Imam hops and works it through square leg for one.
4.6 : K Rabada to F Zaman, FOUR! Just wide of the fielder! Slightly fuller and outside off, Zaman slashes at it. The ball goes uppishly and past the diving Markram at point and into the fence. The last ball spoils the over. Another decent one for Pakistan.
5.1 : L Ngidi to Imam, Good running! Brilliant running! This is just outside off, Imam guides it past point and down towards third man. They take on, Imam rushes for the second and completes it.
0.0 : Excellent crowd support for Pakistan in spite of their last loss against India and that shows their genuine fans just love them and support them no matter what!!!
5.2 : L Ngidi to Imam, That has been drilled! On the fuller side and outside off. It is crunched to the man at cover-point. Miller there does not stop it cleanly and a run is conceded.
5.3 : L Ngidi to F Zaman, On the shorter side and outside off, Zaman mistimes his shot towards covers.
5.4 : L Ngidi to F Zaman, Slightly fuller and on middle, Zaman pushes it to mid on.
5.5 : L Ngidi to F Zaman, Lands it on a length and attacks the off pole, Zaman again keeps it out off the front foot.
5.6 : L Ngidi to F Zaman, SIX! What a shot that is! Outrageous! This is slightly short and around off, this is angled into the batsman. Zaman heaves it, right off the middle and it goes over the mid-wicket fence. First of the game. Once again the last ball spoils the over.
6.1 : K Rabada to Imam, A huge shout but the umpire turns it down! Pitched outside leg! Good ball though. This lands and then moves away. Beats the outside edge of Imam's bat and hits him on the pads. Rabada makes a huge appeal but the umpire is unmoved. Hawk Eye confirms it pitched outside leg.
6.2 : K Rabada to Imam, WIDE! Down the leg side and it has been wided.
K Rabada to Imam, Back of a length and on off, Imam keeps it out.
6.3 : K Rabada to Imam, On the shorter side and around the pads, it is worked to mid-wicket.
6.4 : K Rabada to Imam, Back of a length and angles this across the batter, Imam looks to defend but the ball goes off the outside edge down to third man for one.
6.5 : K Rabada to F Zaman, Short and on the body, this is quick! Zaman looks to pull but is a touch late on the shot. The ball hits him on the body.
6.6 : K Rabada to F Zaman, Good finish to the over this time! On a length and around off, blocked. Just the two from the over. South Africa need a few more of such overs.
Chris Morris is into the attack.
7.1 : C Morris to Imam, FOUR! Welcome into the attack, Morris! The 50 is up for Pakistan. They could not have asked for a better start after electing to bat. Morris starts with a full ball on off, Imam just puts bat to ball, uses the pace of the bowler and hits it through mid off for a boundary.
7.2 : C Morris to Imam, Back of a length on off, Imam goes back and guides it to point.
7.3 : C Morris to Imam, Slightly behind a fuller length on off, Imam pushes it to mid off.
7.4 : C Morris to Imam, A straighter line this time, Imam hops and works it to mid-wicket.
7.5 : C Morris to Imam, EDGED AND FOUR! Between the keeper and Amla who is standing at a widish second slip fielder. Length and around off, Imam pushes hard at it. He ends up playing inside the line. The ball goes off the inside edge and down to the third man fence.
7.6 : C Morris to Imam, A dot to end! 8 from Morris' first! Back of a length on off, Imam keeps it out.
8.1 : K Rabada to F Zaman, Excellent ball! A yorker right on middle, actually it is a low full toss. Zaman gets his bat down quickly and jams it out.
8.2 : K Rabada to F Zaman, Back of a length on off, Zaman defends it onto the ground.
8.3 : K Rabada to F Zaman, Swing and a miss! A premeditated shot by Zaman. He expected a length ball and got one. Clears his front leg and looks to heave it on the leg side but misses.
8.4 : K Rabada to F Zaman, Back of a length on middle, Zaman nudges it around the corner and takes one.
8.5 : K Rabada to Imam, Back of a length again, Imam works it to mid-wicket. Just the single from the over so far. Needs to end it well here.
8.6 : K Rabada to Imam, Rabada does end it very well! He goes slightly fuller this time around off, it moves away a little. Imam plays inside the line and gets beaten.
9.1 : C Morris to F Zaman, Slightly fuller and on off, Zaman pushes it to mid off.
9.2 : C Morris to F Zaman, Hits the length hard again on off, Zaman lunges and keeps it out.
9.3 : C Morris to F Zaman, Back of a length on middle, Zaman works it through square leg and gets to the other end.
9.4 : C Morris to Imam, Goes fuller this time does Morris and it is outside off, Imam looks to drive it through the off side but it goes off the outside edge down to third man for one.
9.5 : C Morris to F Zaman, Another edgy run! Length around off, Zaman pushes hard at it. The ball goes off the outer half down to third man for one.
9.6 : C Morris to Imam, A dot to end! Shorter and on middle, Imam hops and works it to mid-wicket. Just three from the over and 4 from the last two. Still Pakistan have dominated the first 10. They are 58 for no loss after it.
Powerplay 2 has been signaled! Now a maximum of 4 fielders can be placed outside the ring till the 40th over. Andile Phehlukwayo, playing his 50th ODI, replaces Rabada.
10.1 : A Phehlukwayo to F Zaman, NO BALL! Phehlukwayo starts his spell by overstepping. The foot is on the line when the ball is delivered. Full on middle, Fakhar drives this down the ground.
0.0 : FREE HIT TIME!
10.1 : A Phehlukwayo to F Zaman, Nothing much on the Free Hit. It is a slower ball, on a length, outside off, Zaman swings very early and mistimes it high in the air. Rabada runs back from mid on but the ball is just out of reach. A single taken.
Something distracting Imam. Someone is coolly walking in front of the sightscreen, talking on his cellular phone, totally oblivious of what is going on around him. They all wait till the gentleman goes by.
10.2 : A Phehlukwayo to Imam, A length ball, down the leg side, Imam looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads.
10.3 : A Phehlukwayo to Imam, Full on middle, Imam drives this down the ground. Rabada makes a lovely diving stop to his right from mid on. Just a single.
10.4 : A Phehlukwayo to F Zaman, Full and outside off, angling in and then swinging away, Fakhar plays a loose-looking cover drive and is beaten.
10.5 : A Phehlukwayo to F Zaman, This one angles in and then continues to go in, FZ looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads.
10.6 : A Phehlukwayo to F Zaman, Around off, solidly defended.
11.1 : C Morris to Imam, Landed outside off, dabbed to third man for a single.
0.0 : That is a stunning catch! Or is it? Imran Tahir is claiming a catch at deep mid-wicket and is celebrating but Morris himself is not sure. The Proteas are running towards Tahir who is already into his 1000 m marathon but Morris looks bemused. The batsman is going nowhere and the umpires get together and refer it upstairs. The soft signal is NOT OUT. Here come the replays. Looks like Tahir has taken it but then dropped it.
11.2 : C Morris to F Zaman, SAFE! Tahir has taken the catch but then put it down. A short ball, around off, Zaman swivels and pulls it towards deep mid-wicket. Imran Tahir runs to his right and claims the catch. But the batsman is going nowhere. Even the bowler is not sure. The umpires get together and refer it upstairs. Replays show that the ball goes into the palm but then touches the ground. Lucky escape for Fakhar.
11.3 : C Morris to F Zaman, FOUR! SMASH! Insult to injury! A short ball again, around off, Zaman swivels once more and pulls it behind square leg for a boundary!
11.4 : C Morris to F Zaman, Outside off, punched straight to cover.
11.5 : C Morris to F Zaman, In the air... safe! Zaman is leading a charmed life. Outside off, Fakhar looks to push but gets a thick outside edge, which flies behind point. A single taken.
11.6 : C Morris to Imam, Outside off, left alone.
12.1 : A Phehlukwayo to F Zaman, Full and outside off, Zaman drives it through the covers where Morris misfields and concedes two. Should have been a dot.
12.2 : A Phehlukwayo to F Zaman, Outside off, dabbed behind point for a couple again.
12.3 : A Phehlukwayo to F Zaman, Full and outside off, Fakhar plays a loose drive but at the last moment, it swing away and beats the outside edge.
12.4 : A Phehlukwayo to F Zaman, Good stop. On a length outside off, FZ punches it through point where Aiden Markram throws himself to his left to stop the ball.
12.5 : A Phehlukwayo to F Zaman, Full and outside off, Zaman pushes it towards mid off, takes the fielder on and completes a quick single. Direct hit at the bowler's end might have made things interesting.
12.6 : A Phehlukwayo to Imam, A short ball, around middle, Imam swivels and pulls it through square leg for one.
13.1 : C Morris to Imam, Full and outside off, driven towards mid on.
13.2 : C Morris to Imam, Outside off, on a length, Imam plays inside the line but the ball moves away and beats the outside edge.
13.3 : C Morris to Imam, Landed outside off, dabbed to third man for a single.
13.4 : C Morris to F Zaman, Outside off, Zaman looks to punch it through the off side but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads. Not far from the stumps.
13.5 : C Morris to F Zaman, Outside off, on a length, Fakhar looks to pull but misses.
13.6 : C Morris to F Zaman, The batsman defends it from within the crease. They pick up a single.
What is happening? We are going to have a 7th ball in the over. Umpire Wilson was walking towards square leg but he looked at the giant screen and then returned. The official scorer seems to have missed a ball and the umpires are not cross-checking. Imran Tahir was coming in to bowl but he will have to wait for a ball. Full and around off, Imam leans and defends it back to the bowler.
Imran Tahir into the attack now.
14.1 : I Tahir to F Zaman, FOUR! MAGNIFICENT! Tahir is welcomed in style. Full and outside off, Zaman leans and drives it through the covers for a boundary!
14.2 : I Tahir to F Zaman, Outside off, driven through the covers for a single.
14.3 : I Tahir to Imam, Full and outside off, Imam looks to run it down to third man but misses.
14.4 : I Tahir to Imam, Pushes this towards point for a quick run.
14.5 : I Tahir to F Zaman, OUT! Caught at slip! Imran Tahir is off on a celebratory run and South Africa have their first wicket. Full and around off, Fakhar looks to play the paddle but gets an outside edge. The ball lobs in the air and Tahir is already running to his left before Amla can take the catch. All the hard work put in by Fakhar has been undone by this poor choice of a shot. Nevertheless, a solid opening stand from Pakistan.
Babar Azam walks in at number 3, replacing Zaman.
14.6 : I Tahir to B Azam, Outside off, punched towards cover.
15.1 : C Morris to Imam, Landed outside off, dabbed to third man for a single.
15.2 : C Morris to B Azam, Outside off, left alone.
15.3 : C Morris to B Azam, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. One run added to the total.
15.4 : C Morris to Imam, FOUR! Shot. Full on middle, Imam flicks this through mid-wicket and beats mid on running to his left.
15.5 : C Morris to Imam, Outside off, punched straight to point.
15.6 : C Morris to Imam, Landed outside off, steered towards third man for one.
16.1 : I Tahir to Imam, Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover.
16.2 : I Tahir to Imam, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
16.3 : I Tahir to Imam, Around off, Imam looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.
16.4 : I Tahir to Imam, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
16.5 : I Tahir to Imam, Full and around off, watchfully blocked out.
16.6 : I Tahir to Imam, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads for a single.
Lungi Ngidi is back on. 3-0-25-0 so far.
17.1 : L Ngidi to Imam, Around off, pushed towards point.
17.2 : L Ngidi to Imam, Waits for the ball to come to him and steers it towards third man for a single.
17.3 : L Ngidi to B Azam, Full on middle, flicked through mid-wicket but straight to the fielder.
17.4 : L Ngidi to B Azam, Around off, solidly blocked out.
17.5 : L Ngidi to B Azam, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
17.6 : L Ngidi to B Azam, Back of a length around off, well blocked out.
18.1 : I Tahir to Imam, Full and around off, pushed to the leg side.
18.2 : I Tahir to Imam, Defends this one back to the bowler.
18.3 : I Tahir to Imam, Goes back and works this through square leg for a single.
18.4 : I Tahir to B Azam, Plenty of loop on this one, Babar drives this back to the bowler.
18.5 : I Tahir to B Azam, Extremely full, almost a yorker, dug out back to the bowler.
18.6 : I Tahir to B Azam, A touch short, placed in front of point for a run.
19.1 : L Ngidi to B Azam, Full and around off, Babar drives this straight back. Ngidi sticks out his right hand and deflects it towards mid on. The ball flies past Imam who ducks for cover and falls down. Azam wants the single but seeing Imam spread-eagled on the floor, runs back. Tahir comes in from mid on to his left and fires a throw to the keeper but Babar gets back.
19.2 : L Ngidi to B Azam, Around off, defended from the crease.
19.3 : L Ngidi to B Azam, FOUR! Cracking shot. Short of a length outside off, Babar cuts it through point and the ball races away!
19.4 : L Ngidi to B Azam, Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
19.5 : L Ngidi to B Azam, Landed outside off, steered through point for a single.
19.6 : L Ngidi to Imam, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
20.1 : I Tahir to B Azam, Good stop! Saves a run! Flatter and on middle, this is pushed to the left of Miller at mid-wicket. He moves there quickly, dives and stops it.
20.2 : I Tahir to B Azam, A leg spinner and on middle, Azam hits it with the turn through covers for one.
20.3 : I Tahir to Imam, OUT! WHAT A CATCH THAT IS! An absolute stunner from Imran Tahir. It is still difficult to believe this guy is a 40-year old. There, he showed reflexes of an 18 year old. Absolutely magnificent. With that piece of brilliance, he has also become South Africa's highest wicket taker in World Cups. Tahir floats this up around off, Imam sees the flight and comes down the track, he hits it firmly to the right of the bowler. Tahir reacts quickly, gets down, stretches one hand to h
Mohammad Hafeez is the new batsman in.
20.4 : I Tahir to M Hafeez, On off, this is blocked.
20.5 : I Tahir to M Hafeez, Hafeez dances down the track, Tahir spots that and shortens his length. Hafeez adjusts and pushes it to covers.
20.6 : I Tahir to M Hafeez, On the middle pole and the batter keeps it out. Another successful over from Tahir comes to an end.
21.1 : L Ngidi to B Azam, Back of a length on off, this is guided down to third man for one.
21.2 : L Ngidi to M Hafeez, Slightly fuller and this one tails back in. Azam works it to mid-wicket where Rassie makes a good stop diving to his left.
21.3 : L Ngidi to M Hafeez, A little too straight again, Hafeez works it through square leg and takes one. The 100 is up.
21.4 : L Ngidi to B Azam, Lands it on a length once again and it is defended to point.
21.5 : L Ngidi to B Azam, FOUR! Poor ball and put away! This is bowled halfway down the wicket, it does not bounce at the height Ngidi would have wanted it to. Azam goes back and pulls it with ease through mid-wicket for a boundary.
21.6 : L Ngidi to B Azam, FOUR! This is even better! WOW! Delightful stuff from Azam. Ngidi goes fuller this time, Azam shows he can hit boundaries off the front foot too. He just times it past mid on and the ball races away to the fence. Ngidi has not had a good day till now. 10 from this over and he has gone for 41 in his 6 overs.
22.1 : I Tahir to M Hafeez, Floats it up on off, this is hit through covers for one.
22.2 : I Tahir to B Azam, Gives it a lot of air on middle, Azam looks to drive but it goes off the outer half through covers for one.
22.3 : I Tahir to M Hafeez, DROPPED! De Kock is the culprit! That should have been taken! This is flatter and around off, Hafeez goes back and looks to play it late, down towards third man. The ball goes off the outside edge and hits the glove of de Kock who can't hang onto it. A life for Hafeez. He would be eager to make it count.
22.4 : I Tahir to M Hafeez, The googly on off, Hafeez goes back and pushes it through covers for one.
22.5 : I Tahir to B Azam, Another single as Azam eases it down to long off.
22.6 : I Tahir to M Hafeez, A couple to end! Hafeez strokes it through covers, away from the sweeper for two. 6 from the over. It could have easily had a wicket in it.
Andile Phehlukwayo is back into the attack.
23.1 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, Shorter and outside off, Azam hits it down to third man for one.
23.2 : A Phehlukwayo to M Hafeez, Three runs! On the pads, easy for Hafeez. He works it through mid-wicket. Ngidi makes a lot of ground to his left and saves a run for his side.
23.3 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, On the pads again, Azam looks to flick but misses. Wided.
A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, Shorter in length and outside off, this is hit down to third man for another single. Runs coming easily after the fall of the wicket.
23.4 : A Phehlukwayo to M Hafeez, This is angled into the batsman, Hafeez works it down to fine leg for one.
23.5 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, FOUR! Fortunate boundary but that is a poor, poor ball! Short and wide outside off, asking to be hit. Azam goes back and throws his bat at it. The ball goes off the outside edge and down to the third man fence.
23.6 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, Good length and on off, Azam keeps it out. Another good over for Pakistan.
24.1 : I Tahir to M Hafeez, On middle, Hafeez keeps it out.
24.2 : I Tahir to M Hafeez, Slightly shorter and outside off, Hafeez guides it through point and the batters take two.
24.3 : I Tahir to M Hafeez, On the pads, this is worked to mid-wicket.
24.4 : I Tahir to M Hafeez, The slider on off, Hafeez looks to hit it on the off side but it goes off the inner half towards the bowler.
24.5 : I Tahir to M Hafeez, SIX! Just over the ropes! Almost a replica there of how he got out to Finch. A full toss on middle, Hafeez, like he did against Australia, brings out the slog sweep. He hits it towards deep square leg and clears the leaping Ngidi there. He would have surely had his heart in his mouth for a second.
Is that a wicket? Tahir is adamant that Hafeez is LBW. Umpire Dharmasena shakes his head though and South Africa want a review. Looks high to the naked eye. Ball Tracker shows it to be going over the top. Review lost.
24.6 : I Tahir to M Hafeez, NOT OUT! That is going over! South Africa lose their review! Good decision by the umpire! This is bowled slower on middle, Hafeez looks to slog sweep again but misses. It hits him on the stomach area. Tahir is pleading but the umpire shakes his head. The leggie wants it to be reviewed. Faf does so. Replays roll in and they show it to be going over.
25.1 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, Good length around off, Azam guides it to close to the keeper who dives to his right and takes it on the bounce.
25.2 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, Shorter and outside off, Babar slaps it hard but straight to point.
25.3 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, Another one outside off, this comes back in sharply. Azam manages to keep it out in the end.
25.4 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, On a length on off, Azam pushes it through covers and a single is taken.
25.5 : A Phehlukwayo to M Hafeez, This is on the pads, Hafeez looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls to the left of de Kock who moves there and stops it.
25.6 : A Phehlukwayo to M Hafeez, Back of a length on off, Hafeez guides it to point. A good over by Andile. Just the one from it.
26.1 : I Tahir to B Azam, Floats it up on middle, Hafeez looks to drive it with a straight bat but it goes off the inner half to mid-wicket.
26.2 : I Tahir to B Azam, On middle, this is kept out.
26.3 : I Tahir to B Azam, Flatter and on middle, Azam pushes it past the diving bowler and down to mid on for one.
26.4 : I Tahir to M Hafeez, Hafeez now eases it down to long on for one.
26.5 : I Tahir to B Azam, Floats it up on off, this is hit to covers.
26.6 : I Tahir to B Azam, Googly on off, Azam defends it out. Back-to-back good overs for South Africa.
Aiden Markram is on now! 6th bowler used by South Africa today.
This is a bit bizarre. The music is being played at a very high volume in the stands. Hafeez complains to the umpires who request the musicians to turn the volume down.
27.1 : A Markram to M Hafeez, Flatter and on off, this is guided to point.
27.2 : A Markram to M Hafeez, Gives it air on off, Hafeez hits it back to the bowler.
27.3 : A Markram to M Hafeez, Fires it outside off, Hafeez looks to cut but is beaten by the pace on the delivery.
27.4 : A Markram to M Hafeez, Good fielding! This is worked to the right of Andile at backward square leg. He slips initially but then throws himself onto the ground and stops it.
27.5 : A Markram to M Hafeez, A single now as Hafeez works it through mid-wicket for one.
27.6 : A Markram to B Azam, On the pads once again and Azam works it through square leg for one. So a tidy start from Markram.
28.1 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, Good length and on off, this is guided down to third man for one.
0.0 : Andile Phehlukwayo is back!
28.2 : A Phehlukwayo to M Hafeez, Howzzat? The answer to that question is not out! This is angled into the batter, Hafeez looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads. Andile appeals but the umpire shakes his head. Too high and also seems like it would slip down the leg side.
28.3 : A Phehlukwayo to M Hafeez, Back of a length on off, Hafeez guides it to point.
28.4 : A Phehlukwayo to M Hafeez, Another back of a length ball on off, Hafeez once again plays it to point.
28.5 : A Phehlukwayo to M Hafeez, Another dot! This is on off, stays down a little, Hafeez gets his bat down in time and keeps it out.
28.6 : A Phehlukwayo to M Hafeez, On the fuller side, Hafeez pushes it back to the bowler. Just the single from the over. So once again, after a few expensive overs after the wicket, South Africa are managing to pull things back.
29.1 : A Markram to B Azam, Flatter and on off, Azam looks to hit it too hard but ends up chopping it to cover.
29.2 : A Markram to B Azam, This is fired on the pads, it is worked through square leg for one.
29.3 : A Markram to M Hafeez, Hafeez plays it towards cover-point against the turn for one.
29.4 : A Markram to B Azam, Another single! This is fired on the pads, Azam works it through mid-wicket.
29.5 : A Markram to M Hafeez, WIDE! Down the leg side, Hafeez looks to sweep but misses.
A Markram to M Hafeez, Hafeez dances down the track and looks to hit it through the off side but can't beat cover.
What has happened? Hafeez has been adjudged LBW. He walks over to Babar, has a long chat and then signals for the review. But the 15 seconds are up and he has been timed out! Looked plumb.
29.6 : A Markram to M Hafeez, OUT! Markram breaks the stand which was looking really promising! He provides the vital breakthrough. He is probably the last bowler who I thought would take a wicket for South Africa today. He bowls this extremely full around off, it pitches and straightens. Hafeez picks the wrong ball to sweep. He misses and gets hit on the pads. An appeal follows and the umpire raises the finger. Azam and Hafeez do have a chat but then the 15 seconds are up and Hafeez has to conti
Haris Sohail walks in. Kagiso Rabada returns as well. 5-0-22-0 so far.
30.1 : K Rabada to B Azam, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
30.2 : K Rabada to B Azam, Full and outside off, hit sweetly through the covers for a couple.
30.3 : K Rabada to B Azam, Landed outside off, Azam looks to guide it towards third man but is too close to the ball. Gets a bottom edge which just misses the off stump.
30.4 : K Rabada to B Azam, Full and outside off, driven straight to point.
30.5 : K Rabada to B Azam, Full and around off, Azam works it wide of mid on. Lungi Ngidi jogs after it and the batsmen complete three.
30.6 : K Rabada to H Sohail, On middle and leg, tucked through square leg for a single.
31.1 : A Markram to H Sohail, Full and down the leg side, flicked through mid-wicket for a single. 150 UP FOR PAKISTAN. How much can they add in the remaining 19 overs? Is 275 a possibility?
31.2 : A Markram to B Azam, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
31.3 : A Markram to B Azam, Dropped short, pulled away for a single.
31.4 : A Markram to H Sohail, Landed outside off, Sohail goes back and steers this behind point. Phehlukwayo gives it a chase from backward point and gets to the ball. Three runs taken.
31.5 : A Markram to B Azam, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen have run through for a single.
31.6 : A Markram to H Sohail, Punches this off the back foot for one more.
DRINKS BREAK. The game is in the balance right now. Pakistan got off to a terrific start but the three wickets have pegged them back. However, the run rate is pretty decent and if a set batsman stays till the end, they can still get to 275.
32.1 : K Rabada to H Sohail, FOUR! MAJESTIC! Did that have a Saeed Anwar touch to it? Perhaps. On a length outside off, Sohail comes half forward and just punches it on the up through the covers. The ball races away! Sohail moves to 10 from 5 balls.
32.2 : K Rabada to H Sohail, A short ball, around middle and leg, ducked under.
32.3 : K Rabada to H Sohail, Another short ball, Haris gets caught in a tangle and awkwardly fends it to the leg side. A quick single taken even as Duminy comes running in from short mid-wicket and has a shy at the striker's end. Babar is safely in.
32.4 : K Rabada to B Azam, Around off, defended from the crease.
32.5 : K Rabada to B Azam, Lovely bowling. Full and outside off, Babar looks to drive but the ball straightens a touch and then moves away slightly after pitching, which is the reason for the play and a miss.
32.6 : K Rabada to B Azam, Down the leg side, tucked uppishly through square leg for a single.
33.1 : A Markram to B Azam, Full and outside off, nicely tossed up, driven sweetly but straight to short extra cover.
33.2 : A Markram to B Azam, On middle and leg, Babar paddles this straight to short fine leg.
33.3 : A Markram to B Azam, Lucky. Full and straight, Azam attempts another paddle and is gone for all money but luckily for him, the ball hits the inside edge and then goes onto the pads. Deflects past Kagiso Rabada at short fine leg who runs after it and slides near the fine leg fence to stop the ball. Three runs taken.
33.4 : A Markram to H Sohail, Full on middle, pushed through mid on for a single.
33.5 : A Markram to B Azam, FOUR! No stopping this one! Full and down the leg side, Babar tickles this past short fine leg. Kagiso Rabada gives it a chase once again but the ball is running down the hill. He puts in a despairing prematured dive but to no avail.
33.6 : A Markram to B Azam, On middle and leg, helped through square leg for a run.
34.1 : K Rabada to B Azam, Down the leg side, helped fine for a single.
34.2 : K Rabada to H Sohail, FOUR! Lovely shot. Bad ball though. With mid on up, Rabada pitches this very full and Haris calmly drives this straight back, beating mid on who was standing a bit wide as well.
Short leg in now.
34.3 : K Rabada to H Sohail, SIX! SMOKED! Oh yeah. Sohail is in for some acceleration here. He anticipates the short delivery and moves down the leg side well in advance. With the room created, he then slashes it over point and the ball goes all the away!
34.4 : K Rabada to H Sohail, Flicks this away for a single.
34.5 : K Rabada to B Azam, Full and around off, solidly blocked.
34.6 : K Rabada to B Azam, A length ball on the pads, tucked towards mid-wicket for one more. 13 from the over, Rabada's figures read 8-0-47-0.
Chris Morris is back on. 5-0-26-0 so far.
35.1 : C Morris to B Azam, FIFTY FOR BABAR AZAM! His 14th in ODIs, second this World Cup. He needs to bat through for Pakistan to get to a challenging total. Gets there with a punch through the covers for a single.
35.2 : C Morris to H Sohail, Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a run.
35.3 : C Morris to B Azam, Dropped short, pulled through mid-wicket for one.
35.4 : C Morris to H Sohail, Landed outside off, played straight to point.
35.5 : C Morris to H Sohail, FOUR! Outstanding placement! Full and outside off, similar to the previous ball but this time Haris makes no mistake. He just angles his bat slightly and guides it behind point. Third man starts to run to his left but no use.
35.6 : C Morris to H Sohail, A short ball, at rib height, Sohail looks to tuck it down but is hit on the arm.
Imran Tahir is back on. 7-0-26-2 so far.
36.1 : I Tahir to B Azam, Full and outside off, the googly, Azam looks to work it to the leg side but is squared up. The ball goes off the pads past the keeper towards third man. A leg bye taken.
36.2 : I Tahir to H Sohail, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. The batsmen have run through for a single.
36.3 : I Tahir to B Azam, Full on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a run.
36.4 : I Tahir to H Sohail, Landed outside off, punched back to the bowler.
36.5 : I Tahir to H Sohail, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. They pick up a single.
36.6 : I Tahir to B Azam, Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
37.1 : C Morris to H Sohail, Landed outside off, pushed through point for a single.
0.0 : Ha ha! Morris was steaming in but Babar was not ready. Morris jokingly comes running in and threatens to throw the ball at Babar. The crowd likes that.
37.2 : C Morris to B Azam, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single.
37.3 : C Morris to H Sohail, Outside off, Sohail pushes at it but gets a thick outside edge. The ball is high in the air but does not carry to third man. A single taken.
37.4 : C Morris to B Azam, Outside off, extra bounce, Azam looks to cut but misses.
37.5 : C Morris to B Azam, FOUR! Nicely done! On a length outside off, Azam waits for the ball to come to him and dabs it to the third man fence!
37.6 : C Morris to B Azam, FOUR! Full and down the leg side, Azam tickles it behind square leg and the ball races away! 11 from the over.
38.1 : I Tahir to H Sohail, FOUR! A hat-trick of boundaries for Pakistan! Tossed up outside off, Sohail reaches out and drives it over covers for a boundary!
38.2 : I Tahir to H Sohail, On middle and leg, worked straight to square leg.
38.3 : I Tahir to H Sohail, Full and outside off, driven through mid off for a single.
38.4 : I Tahir to B Azam, Around off, defended from the crease.
38.5 : I Tahir to B Azam, WIDE. Down the leg side, Azam looks to flick but misses.
I Tahir to B Azam, Full and outside off, driven through mid off for a run.
38.6 : I Tahir to H Sohail, The batsman works it down the leg side.
Andile Phehlukwayo is back on. 5-0-22-0 so far.
39.1 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, Outside off, Babar looks to cut but gets a bottom edge past the stumps.
39.2 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, WIDE. Slips this down the leg side, Babar misses his flick.
A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, A short ball, down the leg side, pulled behind square leg for a single.
39.3 : A Phehlukwayo to H Sohail, Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover.
39.4 : A Phehlukwayo to H Sohail, Played to the point region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.
39.5 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, Landed outside off, Babar punches it towards mid off. The ball goes off the toe end of the bat and the batsmen get a quick single.
39.6 : A Phehlukwayo to H Sohail, A cutter outside off, Sohail looks to guide it towards third man but misses. He is distraught with himself.
Powerplay 3 has been signaled! Now a maximum of 5 fielders can be placed outside the ring till the end of the innings.
40.1 : I Tahir to B Azam, The googly outside off, Azam guides it through point and takes one.
40.2 : I Tahir to H Sohail, Gives it air on middle, Sohail works it through mid-wicket for one.
40.3 : I Tahir to B Azam, On the off pole, Azam lunges and defends it onto the ground.
40.4 : I Tahir to B Azam, Flighted ball on off, Babar strokes it with the turn through covers for one.
40.5 : I Tahir to H Sohail, Haris played that late! He clears his front leg early and hence, Tahir fires it on the stumps. Sohail then pushes it through covers at the very end for one.
40.6 : I Tahir to B Azam, Another single as Azam pushes it through covers. End of Tahir's 10. Good day for him with the ball. 10-0-41-2 is his figures.
41.1 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, In the air... safe! Azam comes down the track and looks to go big on this slower one. Does not time it that right but clears mid off and the batters take two.
41.2 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, OUT! Azam holes out! Phehlukwayo gets the big fish! Once again Azam does not convert his fifty. End of the stand that was looking very threatening. Andile goes full and outside off, Azam looks to go inside out but ends up hitting it a little too squarer than he would have liked. It goes straight to Ngidi at sweeper cover who makes no mistake. South Africa need to keep taking wickets if they are to stem the run flow here.
Imad Wasim walks out to bat next.
41.3 : A Phehlukwayo to H Sohail, A dot! Short and outside off, Haris throws his bat at it but misses.
41.4 : A Phehlukwayo to H Sohail, FOUR! Deft! Lovely shot! This is on a length and around off, Sohail plays it very late, he manages to guide it very fine on the off side and third man has no chance. Sohail is playing a gem here.
41.5 : A Phehlukwayo to H Sohail, Back of a length on off, Sohail guides it to point. The fielder fumbles but no runs taken.
41.6 : A Phehlukwayo to H Sohail, A single to end the over! Short around off, Sohail guides it down to third man for one. A wicket-taking over comes to an end.
Chris Morris returns. 7-0-44-0 so far.
42.1 : C Morris to H Sohail, Good fielding! Once again Haris plays this delivery outside off late towards third man. Ngidi there runs to his right, slides and pushes it back in. Two taken.
42.2 : C Morris to H Sohail, FOUR LEG BYES! Poor bowling! Drifts it on the pads, Sohail looks to flick but misses. The ball brushes the pads and goes down to the fine leg fence.
42.3 : C Morris to H Sohail, Two now! 8 from the first three balls. A full toss on off, Sohail hits it through covers and takes two.
42.4 : C Morris to H Sohail, A good bumper and Haris ducks under it.
42.5 : C Morris to H Sohail, Fifty for Sohail! This is some innings from him! He has come out and gone after the bowlers right from the word go and has turned the momentum in his side's favour with this knock. His 11th ODI fifty and he has announced his comeback in the team in style. He gets there by guiding this short ball wide of third man for a boundary.
42.6 : C Morris to H Sohail, A direct hit and Sohail was a goner! This is bowled on the body of Haris who works it to the left of the bowler and takes off. Morris runs to the ball, slides, picks it up and then has a shy at his end but misses. 13 from the over. A huge one for Pakistan.
43.1 : A Phehlukwayo to H Sohail, Just short! Slightly short and outside off, Haris creams it but the ball goes on the bounce to point.
43.2 : A Phehlukwayo to H Sohail, Goes full and on off, Haris smashes it down to long off for one. Gives the strike to Imad who will face his first ball now.
43.3 : A Phehlukwayo to I Wasim, FOUR! Straightaway goes for it and bags a boundary! Dances down the track and also makes room. Phehlukwayo lands it on a length and Imad crunches it through extra cover for a boundary.
43.4 : A Phehlukwayo to I Wasim, Slower one this time and it is fuller on off, Imad whips it through square leg for one.
43.5 : A Phehlukwayo to H Sohail, SIX! Over the fielder! That has been misjudged horribly! Everything going wrong for South Africa at the moment. Phehlukwayo bowls it fuller and outside off, Sohail smashes it flat towards long off. Duminy there runs in but then realizes that the ball is going over him. Too late and it carries over the ropes. 250 up for Pakistan.
43.6 : A Phehlukwayo to H Sohail, FOUR! Not off the middle but Sohail gets the desired result. Another slower one which is fuller in length. Haris looks to slog it but it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket. It is away from the fielder in the deep and it races to the fence. 16 from this over and 29 from the last two.
44.1 : C Morris to I Wasim, Full and around middle, Imad flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
44.2 : C Morris to H Sohail, A fine yorker, right at the base of the stumps, Haris can do nothing more than dig it back to the bowler.
44.3 : C Morris to H Sohail, In the air... just out of reach! Morris bowls a slower one outside off, Haris ends up slicing it towards cover. Tahir in the deep runs to his left and Ngidi from covers runs back. The former has a better chance to take it, he stretches both his hands out but can't get to it. The ball then rolls towards the fence but Ngidi pulls it back in. Two taken.
44.4 : C Morris to H Sohail, FOUR! EDGY! Pakistan won't care! Length and outside off, HS swings but gets an outside edge. Duminy at third man runs to his right, dives but only pushes the ball back onto the ropes.
44.5 : C Morris to H Sohail, A low full toss on the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
44.6 : C Morris to I Wasim, Short and slower on off, Imad pulls it but straight to mid-wicket. A RARE DOT! Still a productive over for Pakistan.
Lungi Ngidi is back! Will not bowl his full quota today, given that he has been very expensive. 6-0-41-0 so far. Can he provide a soothing balm in the death overs?
45.1 : L Ngidi to H Sohail, Slower one on off, Sohail is foxed by the lack of pace. He pushes it to mid off.
45.2 : L Ngidi to H Sohail, SIX! Powered over the fence! A slower one by Ngidi but it is shorter in length. Sohail waits for it and powers it over the mid-wicket fence.
45.3 : L Ngidi to H Sohail, Goes wide outside off, Haris guides it through covers and takes one.
45.4 : L Ngidi to I Wasim, Good fielding! Good team work! This is thumped down the ground towards long on. Morris there runs to his right and then dives, pushes it towards long off where Duminy picks it and throws it to the bowler. Two taken. The 50-run stand is up and it has come in only 26 balls. Due to this stand, something around 320 looks possible.
45.5 : L Ngidi to I Wasim, Lovely batting! Slower ball and on middle, Imad pushes it with soft hands towards long on and takes two. The weight was perfect on that shot.
45.6 : L Ngidi to I Wasim, Once again an over ends with a dot! Full and on off, Imad jams it out to cover. He wants a run but is sent back. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. Imad's dive would have saved him though. Another huge over, 11 from it.
Kagiso Rabada returns for some damage control. 8-0-47-0 so far.
46.1 : K Rabada to H Sohail, Fuller and on off, this is hit out towards sweeper cover for one.
46.2 : K Rabada to I Wasim, Good running! A yorker is jammed out towards long on. The batters take one and then go for the second, they complete it.
46.3 : K Rabada to I Wasim, FOUR! Raining boundaries here! Imad makes room and Rabada follows him with a short ball. Imad helps it on its way and the ball races to the fine leg fence.
46.4 : K Rabada to I Wasim, Goes for the yorker but ends up bowling a full toss, Imad can't take full toll of it as he hits it down to long on for one.
46.5 : K Rabada to H Sohail, Haris makes room again, Rabada bowls a slower one. Sohail waits for it and guides it down to third man for one.
46.6 : K Rabada to I Wasim, Down the leg side, Imad looks to flick but misses. It hits the pads and rolls towards square leg. The batters take one, think of a second but then don't go for it. Leg bye signaled.
47.1 : L Ngidi to I Wasim, A full toss outside off, Imad drags it towards deep midw-wicket for one.
47.2 : L Ngidi to H Sohail, Slower one and outside off, Haris hits it through covers for one.
47.3 : L Ngidi to I Wasim, Another slower one outside off, it is fuller. Imad throws his bat at it but ends up mistiming it towards mid off for one. The cover fielder does get across and then has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.
47.4 : L Ngidi to H Sohail, Another single! A full toss outside off, Sohail mistimes it towards long off for one.
47.5 : L Ngidi to I Wasim, FOUR! Over the bowler's head! This time Ngidi does not get away with the full toss. It is outside off, Imad powers it over the bowler's head and bags a boundary.
47.6 : L Ngidi to I Wasim, OUT! Good catch to end a brilliant, brilliant partnership for Pakistan! The duo have surely done their job. Imad uses his feet and looks to clear long off. Does not get under the ball though and hence the distance is not there. Substitute Duminy in the deep runs in and takes a good catch diving forward.
Wahab Riaz is out to bat now! He too can hit the ball long.
48.1 : K Rabada to W Riaz, A yorker on middle, Riaz jams it through mid-wicket for a couple.
48.2 : K Rabada to W Riaz, Excellent stop by de Kock! Rabada bowls the slower one on middle, Wahab looks to paddle scoop it but does not get the middle of the bat. It goes to the left of the keeper who moves to that direction and then dives full stretch to save three for his side.
48.3 : K Rabada to H Sohail, Brilliant bowling! A yorker on the pads, Sohail jams it out to the right of the bowler and takes one. Just the 4 from the first three balls.
48.4 : K Rabada to W Riaz, Another single! Slower one and it is full and outside off. Riaz swings but it goes off the outer half down to third man for one. 300 up for Pakistan. 8 more balls to go.
Milind the alert - Who is Duminy fielding for? I have been seeing him almost right from the start of the game!
48.5 : K Rabada to H Sohail, The batsman is down on the ground! More importantly for South Africa, a dot. Sohail makes room and Rabada follows him with a short one. Sohail ducks under it. De Kock moves a long way to his right to collect it.
48.6 : K Rabada to H Sohail, FOUR! Spoils the over somewhat! Lovely flick shot. This time he shuffles across. Rabada bowls it full and this is flicked over mid-wicket for a boundary.
49.1 : L Ngidi to W Riaz, OUT! TIMBER! Completely deceived there! Ngidi rolls his fingers on this delivery, lands it on off. Wahab is way too early in the shot. He misses and the ball hits the top of middle. Ideal start to the last over for South Africa.
Sarfaraz Ahmed walks in at number 8, replacing Riaz. Hat-trick ball...
49.2 : L Ngidi to S Ahmed, No Hat-trick! It is the slower one, dipping onto the batsman. Sarfaraz works it through mid-wicket for one. Gets Sohail on strike who has 4 balls to get 12 runs for his ton.
49.3 : L Ngidi to H Sohail, Just the single! Full and wide outside off, Sohail hits it towards sweeper cover for one. Just the two runs from the first three balls.
49.4 : L Ngidi to S Ahmed, Another single! Slower one again, Sarfaraz is early in his shot. He ends up dragging it towards long on for one. Two balls left and Sohail needs 11 runs to get his ton.
49.5 : L Ngidi to H Sohail, OUT! No ton for Sohail! But a knock which probably could make the difference. He walks off to a standing ovation and he deserves every bit of it. Ngidi gets another! His third. It is the slower one on middle, once again a batsman does not pick it. Sohail is early in his slog. The top edge is induced and it goes high up in the air towards the keeper who makes no mistake. Three runs and two wickets in this over. One ball to go, can Ngidi end it well?
Shadab Khan is the new man in. He will be at the bowler's end.
Is that a run out? No one has appealed but the umpire wants his colleague upstairs to have a look. Seems like Ngidi has missed the ball here.
49.6 : L Ngidi to S Khan, NOT OUT! Ngidi has not collected the ball which means a single to end Pakistan's innings! A tremendous last over by Ngidi. Just the 4 runs and two wickets from it. He bowls this on a length and around off, Shadab slaps it towards cover and takes off. The fielder there throws it to the bowler who fails to collect the ball and dislodges the bails with his hands. There is nobody appealing but the umpire takes it upstairs. After the replays, NOT OUT flashes on the big screen
A very good batting performance by Pakistan. This is the second time that they have mustered a decent total after batting first, with the previous occasion being against England. The seeds were sown at the start, with an 81-run opening stand and then some decent partnerships in the middle took them past 300.
The openers threw away their starts but the impetus was provided. The new balls were nullified and South Africa struggled to control the innings. They did stem the run flow but then the 81-run stand between Babar Azam and Haris Sohail for the 4th wicket started to inject life into the innings.
Babar was slow but Haris was playing beautifully. He was timing the ball right from the word go and the Proteas had no answer. And then, his 71-run stand with Imad Wasim in just 40 balls took the momentum away from the Saffas. They started to leak runs at the death and conceded 91 runs, picking up 4 wickets in the last 10 overs.
South Africa will be disappointed with their bowling again. Throughout the tournament, they have struggled with the new balls and the backup bowlers have not been able to penetrate much. Ngidi picked up 3 wickets today but that was mostly towards the end. Rabada and the others had a poor outing and had it not been for Tahir and Markram, Pakistan might have even reached 350.
Imran Tahir is giving an interview. The leggie says he thought it was going to be a tough day but the wicket was stopping a little and he is happy with his performance. States he wanted to get a wicket and he is pleased with that. Reckons he was consistent today and is happy he played his role for his side. Jokes and says he can brag about his catch to dismiss Imam now as his fielding has always been questioned. Ends by saying they need to do the basics right and this total can be chased down.
Alright. 309 to chase. Tahir reckons that his team can do it. But are his team's batsmen in form? Today may not be a bad day to answer in an affirmative to that question. Stay tuned for the un chase.