South Africa emerged victorious in the 26th match of the ICC World Cup 2023, as they won by 1 wicket against Pakistan in Chennai on October 27. Pakistan has now lost four matches in a row.
Pakistan opted to bat first after Babar Azam won the toss and posted 270 runs. Saud Shakeel (52), Babar Azam (50), and Shadab Khan (43) were the main scorers. Tabraiz Shamsi took 4/60, while Marco Jansen took three wickets for South Africa.
Despite a good start from Quinton De Kock (24 in 14 balls), South Africa found themselves in trouble as Pakistan pacers found the perfect length to bounce the batters out. Shaheen Afridi picked 3/45, while Mohammad Wasim and Haris Rauf took two wickets each.
Aiden Markram anchored the innings in the middle with 91 from 93 balls with 7 fours and 3 sixes. But Usama Mir, the concussion sub got his wicket at a crucial juncture. Haris Rauf then put Pakistan on the verge of victory with the wicket of Lungi Ngidi.
11 runs were needed with the last pair on the field, but Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj stuck out there.
Pakistan would have won the match, if the on-field umpire had granted Rauf's LBW plea against Shamsi and given him out. Pakistan went for the DRS, and the ball tracking showed it hit the stumps by the smallest of margins. Shamsi was saved by the umpire's call as sufficient part of the ball did not clip the stumps.
Check here:
Shamsi and Maharaj wisely played out the overs of the pacers. Babar was forced to bring on Mohammad Nawaz in the 48th over when 5 runs were needed to win. Shamsi took a single and then Keshav Maharaj hit a four the next ball to ensure victory by one wicket.
Maharaj and Shamsi celebrated animatedly and then hugged each other after the celebration.
Here is the video:
