Pakistan stun South Africa in 2015 World Cup

A spirited Pakistani team defended a paltry total to stun South Africa in 2015 World Cup and virtually entering the quarterfinals. With Ireland seeking their third win of this tournament against Zimbabwe, West Indies could be out of the tournament.

Earlier, South Africa restricted Pakistan to 222 in 46.4 overs in a rain-curtailed 47 overs a side match at Eden Park, Auckland. Sarfraz Ahmed (49), Younis Khan (37), Misbah-ul-Haq (56) and Shahid Afridi (22) were the top scorers. For South Africa, Dale Steyn took three wickets, while Kyle Abbott and Morne Morkel took two wickets each. The revised target was 232 as per the D/L method.

South Africa were cruising towards victory with 67/1 at one stage. But, Pak bowlers bounced back to leave them reeling at 138/7. AB de Villiers did his best with a 58-ball 77, but that was not enough. South Africa bowled out for 202 in 33.3 overs and lost the match by 29 runs. Hashim Amla (38) and Faf du Plessis (27) were the other top scorers.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Irfan, Rahat Ali and Wahab Riaz took three wickets each. Wicketkeeper Sarfraz, who scored 49, also triggered six dismissals behind the stumps. He was declared ‘Man of the Match’. India continue to lead the points table in Pool B with 8 points from 4 matches, while Pakistan and South Africa are level at 6 points each from 5 matches.