Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the semi-final diminished after South Africa defeated them in their match of the World Cup on Friday.
An incredible knock from Aiden Markaram guided South Africa to cruise past Pakistan by one wicket at Chennai Stadium.
Pakistan started bowling with aggression by taking key early wickets as Shaheen Shah Afridi ended an early flurry from Quinton de Kock (24) before Mohammad Wasim removed Temba Bavuma for 28.
And a strong partnership came to an end when concussion substitute Usama Mir dismissed Rassie van der Dussen out lbw for 21 to give Pakistan a chance.
At this point, Markram held the reins and lit up the Chidambaram Stadium with fiery boundaries. He made 91 runs to put her side in command. Things came under Pakistan’s control when Markram was sent to pavilion, leading to quick wickets of tail order.
However, the Proteas’ tail-enders Keshav Maharaj and Shamsi held their nerves in death overs and secured win for their side over Pakistan in the 48th over.
Earlier, disciplined bowling and fielding from South Africa restricted Pakistan from posting a tough total as Team Green was bowled out for 270 in the crucial match.
Saud Shakeel remained the top scorer for the Green Shirts, as he added 52 runs taking as many balls. Skipper Babar Azam, after hitting 50 of 64 balls
Tabraiz Shamsi’s four-fer and three-wicket haul by Marco Jansen and two wickets by Gerald Coetzee devastated the batting line of Babar Azam’s side.
This is Pakistan’s fourth consecutive loss in the World Cup after winning its first two games against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka.
