It surely was an unpredictable match as Pakistan recorded a nerve-wrangling 29-run win over South Africa in their crucial Pool B World Cup tie at Eden Park on Saturday, as AB de Villiers failed to convert his strong start into a winning chase.
Put in to bat first, Pakistan, who had never won a match against South Africa before in the World Cup, were bowled out for a modest 222 runs in 46.4 overs before rain interrupted the game, which led to South Africa being given a 232-run target to win by the Duckworth Lewis method.
Wicketkeeper batsman and opener Sarfraz Ahmed took Pakistan to a stable start with his 49-run knock, falling short of just one run for his half-century, while his opening partner Ahmed Shehzad fell for a paltry 18 runs.
Veteran batsmen Younis Khan (37) and skipper Misbah-ul Haq (56) were the others to add substantial runs to Pakistan's score. All-rounder Shahid Afridi failed to shine as he was bowled out for his individual 22 runs, while Umar Akmal fell for his individual 13-run knock.
Sarfraz rightly justified his selection as he took six catches behind the stumps, which included the crucial wickets of Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis and South African skipper De Villiers.
Dale Steyn was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa as he clinched three wickets with his menacing pace, while Kyle Abbot and Morne Morkel grabbed two wickets each.
As South Africa began their chase, they were in a comfortable position at 67-2, having lost opener De Kock (for a duck) and Du Plessis (27), but a quick middle-order collapse saw them reeling at 102-6 in the 20th over.
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Rilee Rossouw trudged back to the pavilion for his individual six runs, while David Miller fell for a duck, before De Villiers took the reins in his hand for South Africa once again. He played a magnificent knock of 77 runs off 58 deliveries, including seven fours and five sixes.
South Africa had a glimpse of victory at one point as their skipper took them from 67-3 to 200-9 before falling prey to Sohail Khan's delivery, which resulted in De Villiers' men eventually losing the match in the next over.
Sarfraz was named the Man of the Match for his 49-run knock and six catches behind the wicket. He said that he was very thankful to the world and Pakistan for this opportunity, adding that this is his World Cup debut match, but Mushtaq Ahmed had good words for him to encourage him and told him to go out and enjoy himself.
Pakistan skipper Misbah said that this is a big win for them, adding that Sarfraz played well, including others as well. He admitted that they were 30-40 runs short, but added that the bowlers did their job and went for the kill.
Misbah said that beating South Africa, who are playing really good cricket, the players and the team can take a lot of confidence from it
Meanwhile, De Villiers said that his side still is in a good position in the group, but added that he never likes to lose. He admitted that they were shocking with the bat, claiming that they have been under pressure many times in the last few years and come out on top.
De Villiers claimed that he still believes they have the right group here to lift the trophy.