Pakistan stun South Africa

Pakistan pulled a stunner over South Africa beating the Proteas by 29 runs in a relatively low scoring match at the ICC cricket World Cup 2015 at Auckland today.

It was all credit to the Pakistan bowlers who gave their all and pulled the match away in what was an intense match of cricket – as customary to all low scoring matches in this tournament thus far.

Put to bat first, Pakistan had a good start to their game today with Sarfraz Ahmed and Younis Khan set a 62-run first wicket partnership as foundation, but the chance was laid to waste.

Failing to go big after a solid start, Pakistan were bundled out at 222. Apart from Sarfraz Ahmed, 49, who came in today in place of struggling Nasir Jamshed, Younis Khan, 37, and Misbah-ul-Haq, 56, there was no major cement to the innings.

Dale Steyn picked three wickets with Kyle Abbott and Morne Morkel taking two each and Imran Tahir and AB de Villiers claimed one apiece.

Reduced by three overs for each side and a cut short innings break due to a heavy but brief downpour, the target for South Africa was reset to 232 within a 47 Overs.

Coming into chase=, South Africa had a decent start before Pakistan bowlers sent Proteas' ninepins' rolling. Not even AB de Villiers, 77, could make a difference.

Mohammad Irfan, Rahat Ali and Wahab Riaz claimed three wickets apiece for Pakistan and Sohail Khan claimed one.

Pakistan Team

Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Ahmed Shehzad, Younis Khan, Sohaib Maqsood, Misbah-ul-Haq (C), Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Khan, Rahat Ali, Mohammad Irfan

South Africa Team

Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers (C), David Miller, JP Duminy, Rilee Rossouw, Kyle Abbott, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir