South Africa emerged victorious in a tense ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Pakistan, triumphing by one wicket in a thrilling encounter in Chennai.
Keshav Maharaj played a crucial role in securing the win for the Proteas, as they appeared to be in a good position to win before losing four wickets for just 25 runs. Pakistan made a valiant effort to secure the final wicket but ultimately fell short under the lights at Chidambaram.
Babar Azam (50) and Saud Shakeel (52) were the leading run-scorers for Pakistan, who managed to score 270 runs in their first innings, with seven of the top eight batsmen reaching double figures. However, Tabraiz Shamsi's impressive four-wicket haul helped slow down the scoring rate, resulting in Pakistan being bowled out in the 47th over. South Africa's bowling performance was even more commendable given the scorching conditions and the absence of the injured Kagiso Rabada.
Aiden Markram seemed poised to guide South Africa to victory with a fine innings, but he was dismissed just nine runs short of his century by concussion substitute Usama Mir. This set the stage for a nail-biting finish at Chidambaram Stadium.
South Africa managed to hold on, and Maharaj's shot to the backward square boundary sealed the victory, sparking jubilant celebrations.
South Africa's powerful top-order batters got off to a strong start in pursuit of their target of 271. However, Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Quinton de Kock (24) early, and Mohammad Wasim removed Temba Bavuma for 28. A significant partnership for the third wicket came to an end when concussion substitute Usama Mir had Rassie van der Dussen dismissed leg before wicket for 21, giving Pakistan a chance with the score at 121/3.
The dangerous Heinrich Klaasen was the next to fall, removed by Wasim for just 12. However, as long as Aiden Markram remained at the crease, South Africa appeared in control. Markram, batting at number four, formed a valuable partnership with David Miller, guiding the Proteas to a dominant position. Miller's quick 29 from 33 balls, featuring two sixes and two fours, was an important contribution. Shaheen Shah Afridi returned to the attack to keep Pakistan's hopes alive, dismissing the big-hitter with a catch behind.
Marco Jansen continued to attack, scoring 20 runs from just 14 deliveries, leaving South Africa needing only 36 to win when he was caught by Babar off Haris Rauf. South Africa weathered an excellent spell from Shaheen Shah Afridi as the match reached a thrilling conclusion, with wickets falling.
Haris Rauf almost secured the win for Pakistan in the final moments. First, he executed a stunning catch and bowled to remove Lungi Ngidi. Then, he thought he had Tabraiz Shamsi dismissed leg before wicket for the match-winning wicket, only for the number 11 to survive thanks to the umpire's decision.
In the end, South Africa held their nerve to secure the victory, defying their reputation in the process.
Pakistan opted to bat first after winning the toss in the hot and humid conditions of Chennai, making two changes to their lineup. Hasan Ali's illness led to Mohammad Wasim Jr. replacing him, while Mohammad Nawaz took the place of Usama Mir.
As expected, South Africa's regular captain, Temba Bavuma, returned to lead the team. Bavuma confirmed that South Africa would have preferred to bat first in the hot conditions. Tabraiz Shamsi and Lungi Ngidi were included in the team, but Kagiso Rabada was absent due to a lower back spasm.
The South African pacers displayed early discipline, and Marco Jansen, in particular, troubled the batsmen with his height and left-arm angle, securing the crucial breakthrough of opener Abdullah Shafique (9).
Babar Azam took charge early on, aided by a no-ball, which he dispatched for four. However, Imam-ul-Haq lost his wicket in the seventh over, going for a wide delivery from Jansen.
Pakistan maintained an aggressive approach for much of their innings, with Mohammad Rizwan complementing Babar with his attacking strokes. However, Rizwan's dismissal, edging one behind the wicket, left Pakistan at three down. Captain Babar was then joined by Iftikhar Ahmed, who helped stabilize the innings over the next few overs.
Tabraiz Shamsi played a crucial role in tightening the screws on Pakistan, taking two important wickets after the 25-over mark. Shamsi removed Iftikhar (21) when the batsman attempted a big shot and was caught brilliantly at long-on by Heinrich Klaasen. A couple of overs later, a review from Quinton de Kock led to Babar's dismissal, as he tried to paddle Shamsi but ended up gloving the ball to the keeper.
Pakistan's sixth-wicket partnership between Saud Shakeel and Shadab Khan revived their innings. Shakeel's run-a-ball 52 was the top score in the innings and injected life into their performance. Mohammad Nawaz also contributed with a run-a-ball 24, but South Africa managed to keep the situation under control by taking frequent wickets, ultimately bowling Pakistan out for 270.
Tabraiz Shamsi's figures of 4/60 were game-changing, and Marco Jansen also impressed with his 3/43 from nine overs.