Veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir on Sunday (June 24) became the highest wicket-taker for South Africa in ICC Cricket World Cups. Playing against Pakistan at Lord’s, Tahir dismissed opponent openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq. In doing so, he surpassed Allan Donald’s tally of 38 wickets in the showpiece tournament.

During the innings break, Tahir was greeted by former Proteas skipper Shaun Pollock with a special gesture. Pollock put a ladybug on the shoulder of the 40-year-old leggie to wish him luck.

However, the ladybug's luck couldn't save South Africa from getting eliminated from the race of World Cup 2019 semi-finals as they lost to Pakistan by 49 runs.

Since Tahir has already announced his retirement from ODI cricket after this World Cup, he has only two matches left to add to his tally of scalps in the quadrennial event.

"I can't ask for more than that. I thought it was going to be a tough day but it did stop a bit. I am really pleased that I did the job for my team and my country. They had a good start so I wanted to get a wicket. I was pleased that I got a wicket in my first over. I was happy with my consistency that was the most important thing for me," Tahir said in a post first innings interview.

Coming to the match, South Africa were restricted to 259 for 9 in 50 overs while chasing Pakistan’s target of 309. While Shadab Khan and Wahab Riaz picked up three wickets each, Mohammad Amir claimed two scalps for Pakistan.