The 30th match of the ICC World Cup 2019 saw Pakistan take on South Africa in a battle of survival, as a loss for either team would have meant that their journey in the tournament would not go to the semi-finals.
Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first and put up 308/7 on board. Both openers Fakhar and Imam made 44 each, while Babar made 69 runs. However, the innings got impetus from Haris Sohail, who smacked 89 runs in just 59 balls with 9 fours and 3 sixes and was aided by Hafeez (20) and Imad (23). Lungi Ngidi picked 3/64 and Tahir picked 2/41, which also made him the highest wicket-taker for South Africa in World Cups, leaving behind legend Allan Donald.
South Africa needed a quick start to their innings, but Amla’s poor World Cup continued as Amir trapped him LBW for 2. De Kock (47) and Du Plessis (63) added 87 runs together, but the pace of the partnership was too slow and the required run rate just kept climbing. Van Der Dussen (36), Miller (31) and Phehlukwayo tried to mend the innings, but it was too little too late. South Africa made 259/9 and went down by 49 runs.
For Pakistan, Shadab Khan picked 3/50 and Wahab Riaz picked 3/46. For the Proteas, it was the end of their chances to make it into the semi-finals and their entire tournament can be rated poor.
Excellent performance Pakistan! The bowlers backed up Haris Sohail's brilliant batting effort. Hope the momentum will be sustained in the games ahead. BUT the fielding must improve so many dropped catches, can't be excused at all! #WeHaveWeWill
Pakistan stays alive...but only just. Even after this win, they’re nowhere close to getting into the top four. Must beat NZ and Bangladesh to compensate for the big losses vs WI and Ind. #CWC19#SAvPak
Aftr a brave decision of batting 1st openers gave a steady start..@iHarisSohail Man champions inn.
U were fantastic 2day????????????@iamamirofficial & @76Shadabkhan was brilliant 2 watch,supported well by @simadwasim with his tight sets
Well Played @iHarisSohail. Pakistan played pressure free cricket today. This is whats required. They should win the game from here and keep all of our hopes alive. #PAKvSA#CWC19
Great job by the Pakistani bowlers, SA having a painful tournament nothing going there way. As I said to chase 300+ they required a team effort but an odd 50 won't get you there.#CWC19#PAKvSA
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) June 23, 2019