On Friday, Keshav Maharaj was the hero as South Africa beat Pakistan by one wicket to take the lead in the World Cup. Aiden Markram smashed 91 runs off 93 balls to help South Africa beat Pakistan for the first time in 24 years at the World Cup. With this win, South Africa moved closer to sealing a semi-final berth.
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Quick Recap: Pakistan vs South Africa
The Proteas were nine runs short of victory when tailender Maharaj swept the winning boundary with 16 balls remaining. South Africa were chasing 271, but after losing their opener Quinton de Kock and captain Temba Bavuma, they were reduced to 67 for two.
A Thrilling Win For South Africa
Pakistan fought valiantly against a batting team that has been in formidable form this tournament, but after Rassie van der Dussen (21) and Heinrich Klaasen (12) fell, they were reduced to 136 for four. With four wickets remaining and needing 36 runs to win, the Proteas lost David Miller and Marco Jansen, who had just launched Haris Rauf down the ground for six, leaving them short by six runs.
Markram was next dismissed for 91 thanks to a valuable wicket from Usama Mir, and he was swiftly followed to the locker room by Gerald Coetzee, who was caught behind off Shaheen Shah Afridi (three for 45), bringing the score to 21.
Lungi Ndidi was out for 11 after being caught and bowled by Rauf with a magnificent one-handed catch, while Tabraiz Shamsi, batting at number 11, escaped the narrowest of leg-before reviews three runs later. But Maharaj contributed crucially with seven not out, notably the winning boundary, as South Africa eventually prevailed.
When Pakistan captain Babar Azam was run out for 50, his team was already in trouble at 141 for five. But the retaliation was spearheaded by Saud Shakeel, who scored 52 at a run a ball, and Shadab Khan, who made 43. Pakistan were bowled out for 270 after being restricted to that score for 46.
Taking Control
South Africa’s fifth victory puts them on top of the table, tied with hosts India on 10 points despite having played one more game than them, while Pakistan’s prospects of making the semi-finals hang by a thread after a fourth loss.
Pakistan, having won the toss and elected to bat, set South Africa a target of 270 to win in their first innings thanks to half-centuries from Saud Shakeel and Babar Azam and four wickets apiece from Tabraiz Shamsi and Marco Jansen.
After losing early wickets and Aiden Markram’s 91, South Africa appeared to be in control of their chase. However, a middle and lower-order collapse made for a nervous finish. With only 16 balls remaining, the Proteas won an exciting match in Chennai thanks to a couple of clutch hits by Keshav Maharaj. Many spectators felt it was one of the best games of the tournament.
Player of the Match: Tabraiz Shamsi
Player of the Game goes to Tabraiz Shamsi. Aiden Markram and David Miller were banging it around, and South Africa needed only a few more runs to win. However, the fun began when Miller went down. Keshav Maharaj didn’t make any bold moves, preferring instead to follow the tail wherever it went. Despite losing Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi scored four runs that proved to be decisive.
He appreciated bowling to fresh hitters and thought the early wickets were helpful. He acknowledges that while things are going well for him at the moment, he is content, but that this is not necessarily the case. Moreover, he says that he never considered playing a big shot, but that these are the matches for which they prepare, and that Maharaj was outstanding.
Score: Pakistan v South Africa
| Pakistan | 270 | 46.4 overs |
| South Africa | 271/9 | 47.2 overs |
| South Africa won by 1 wicket | ||
Australia faces New Zealand and the Netherlands faces Bangladesh in Saturday’s Cricket World Cup doubleheader. On Sunday, England will play host India, a game that might determine whether or not they qualify. Sri Lanka plays Afghanistan on Monday in a game that might determine whether or not they advance to the semifinals.The Cricket World Cup continues and make sure to check all the top cricket betting sites to support and bet on your favorite teams! See you in the next match!