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South Africa survive a late Pakistan scare to pull off a thrilling one-wicket win and move closer to the semi-finals of the World Cup

Published By Everything ZA Travel

In a pulsating encounter at the Chidambaram Stadium, South Africa survived a late charge from Pakistan to pull off a thrilling one-wicket win and move closer to the semi-finals of the World Cup.

Chasing a target of 271, South Africa were cruising at 206-4 with Aiden Markram (91) and David Miller (29) at the crease. However, Pakistan staged a remarkable comeback, taking four quick wickets to reduce South Africa to 250-8.

But the last pair of Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi showed immense composure and grit to guide their team to victory. Maharaj scored a crucial seven not out, while Shamsi survived a close leg-before appeal to hit the winning runs in the 47th over.

The win was South Africa’s fifth in six matches and took them to the top of the table with 10 points. Pakistan, on the other hand, suffered their fourth consecutive defeat and are now in danger of being eliminated from the tournament.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan had posted a competitive total of 270 all out, thanks to half-centuries from Saud Shakeel (52), Babar Azam (50), and Shadab Khan (43).

South Africa’s left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi was the pick of the bowlers, returning with figures of 4-60. He was ably supported by Lungi Ngidi (3-43) and Marco Jansen (3-43).

South Africa’s chase got off to a solid start, with Markram and Janneman Malan (42) putting on a 70-run opening stand.

Malan fell to Shaheen Shah Afridi in the 19th over, but Markram continued to anchor the innings. He found an able ally in Miller, and the duo added 70 runs for the fifth wicket.

However, Pakistan staged a remarkable comeback in the middle overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Miller in the 34th over, while Haris Rauf had Marco Jansen (20) caught behind in the 37th over.

Markram was also dismissed in the 43rd over, leaving South Africa reeling at 250-8. But the last pair of Maharaj and Shamsi showed immense composure and grit to guide their team to victory.

Maharaj scored a crucial seven not out, while Shamsi survived a close leg-before appeal to hit the winning runs in the 47th over.

The win was a thrilling one for South Africa, and it will give them a much-needed boost ahead of the semi-finals. Pakistan, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly if they are to stay alive in the tournament.

[twitter name=”name”]

A MASSIVE VICTORY FOR THE PROTEAS 🇿🇦

A remarkable chase from the Proteas which went to the very end🔥

What A Win !🥳#PAKvSA #CWC23 #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/jXmaHUZzRa

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 27, 2023