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.
