Reverting to type?
Pakistan have just overcome the South African challenge for the first time in World Cup history. In a clash of titans versus falling giants, if the pre-match narrative was to be believed, a shock result was served up. The result means Pakistan have now won three games on the trot, putting on the semblance of a united team. However, there are many questions that arose from this game regarding both sides.
Should we be hailing the Pakistani bowling attack or should we just come to the conclusion that South Africa have lived up to their 'chokers' moniker once more? Perhaps we should wonder why Sarfraz Ahmed, who smashed a run-a-ball 49 and took six catches behind the wicket, wasn't even tried before this game. Was it just a case of poor team selection or was there truth to the much-talked about disharmony in the camp? Maybe we should look at the South Africans, the vulnerability of their middle-order, and also question the discretion of skipper AB de Villiers' shot to which he finally got out.
Instead, let us start by taking a look at the infallible de Villiers, who bowled six overs in an attempt to fill the fifth-bowler's role. He was smashed all over the park and the wicket of Younis Khan was of little reprieve. He was ready to play the role of the saviour with the bat too, but for a moment of indiscretion, when he might have been better off showing a bit more faith in his strike partner, Morne Morkel.
In their three games against seasoned teams -- India, Pakistan and West Indies -- South Africa have lost twice, both times chasing. In neither of their losses, could they be accused of choking, as they never looked to be in a position to win. So would it be fair to say that they are just the big bad bullies of Pool B?
Pakistan, true to their reputation, have had a whirlwind of a World Cup. Sarfaraz came in and took home the man-of-the-match award with a performance any player would be proud of. Misbahul Haq, the much derided Pakistan captain, nicknamed 'tuk-tuk' for his cautious play, has gone from villain to hero, as the fans finally realised that he is perhaps one of the very few batsmen in the side who values his wicket. Misbah has been omnipresent through all of Pakistan's innings this World Cup, trying to settle his restless teammates to little avail.
While the Proteas should hope that this was their last shock defeat in this World Cup, Pakistan may be hitting form just at the right time with a fan yesterday holding up a sign that read "1992 all over again".
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