If 2019 ICC World Cup saw some teams performing on top of the world, while some teams slumped, unable to perform up to the mark. On Saturday, the spectators also witnessed a match where Afghanistan, a team which was not considered to be a dangerous one, keeping in mind their previous game records, but clashing against India, Afghanistan gave a mighty scare to the Indians, but eventually losing by a margin of just 11 runs.
Similarly, South Africa and Pakistan both teams were on the verge of getting knocked out of the contest with their low run rate and poor gameplay. However, Pakistan’s urge to keep their stay at World Cup alive was very much visible as they played accordingly to win the game against the Proteas. Coming to bat Pak openers, Imum-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman were boasting a partnership at first. With Pakistan easily scoring plenty from the start, Imran Tahir was sent to restrict the scoring, and he deliver’s accordingly taking Fakhar Zaman’s (44 out; 50b; 6X4, 1X6) wicket and then in the 21st over he scalps the other opener Imam-ul-Haq (44 out; 58b; 6X4) as well. Babar Azam (69 out; 87b; 7X4) and Mohammed Hafeez (20 out; 33b; 1X6) were just looking dangerous when Andile Phehlukwayo dismisses Hafeez. Azam along with Haris Sohail (89 out; 59b; 9x4, 3X6) delivers not just a good partnership but, Haris Sohail’s 89 off 59 balls took Pakistan’s total on board past 300. After Babar Azam’s (69 out; 80b; 7X4) dismissal, Sohail batted till the 2nd last ball of the innings, not receiving much support from other batsmen as Pakistan registered 308 with the loss of 7 wickets in 50 overs.
South Africa batsmen needed to keep a good partnership and work through it, but with Pakistan bowlers attacking every now then South Africa crumbled under the pressure. Mohammed Amir ceased the first wicket early in the 2nd over, as Hashim Amla (2 out; 3b) collapsed without contributing much. Keeper Quinton de Kock and captain Faf du Plessis came back with a much needed partnership. But Shadab Khan makes an important breakthrough for Pakistan by scalping de Kock (47 out; 60b; 3X4, 2X6) in the 20th over and Aiden Markram (7 out; 16b) next, in 24th over. After the captain’s dismissal, the rest of the team gave only little cameos and lost their wickets too early. Andile Phehlukwayo (46 not out; 32b; 6X4) was the only man who batted till end, but without any support from the other end, South Africa fell 49 runs short losing 9 of their wickets in 50 overs.
