Gutsy Pakistan kept their Twenty20 World Cup hopes alive when they emphatically beat South Africa on Thursday at the SCG. The Shaheens can still reach the World Cup semi-finals if they win their last match against Bangladesh on Sunday and other results go their way.
Shadab Khanled Pakistan’s strong batting display with a glittering 22-ball 52, propelling them to 185 for nine after opting to bat. Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/14) and Shadab (2/16) then blew away the South African top order as the Proteas could manage 108 for 9 in 14 overs.
South Africa were set a revised target of 142 runs in 14 overs after the rain interruption.
The Proteas, who are still on course for the semi-finals, came out blazing after a rain delay saw their initial target of 186 adjusted down to 142, meaning they needed 73 runs in five overs.
The asking rate proved to be impossible as the African side settled for 108-9 at the end of a captivating match that had everything one could ask for in a World Cup encounter, from bad weather to top bowling and dropped catches.
With this important win, Pakistan (4 points) moved up to the third spot in group 2 while South Africa (5 points) continued to stay second behind leaders India (6 points).
Pakistan beat the Proteas by 33 runs (DLS Method) in Sydney. #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/PteGLGMCvE
— SA Cricket magazine (@SACricketmag) November 3, 2022
For Pakistan to go through, they should win their match against Bangladesh and hope for a miracle.Â
      – On India or South Africa losing their final games.
- India face Zimbabwe and the Proteas play the Netherlands.
India top the standings on six points, with South Africa second on five. Only the top two reach the semi-finals.
Pakistan are third and Bangladesh fourth. They each have four points but Pakistan’s net run rate is superior.
On Wednesday, India and Bangladesh played out a thrilling match at the Adelaide Oval in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2022.
Pakistan beat the strong proteas side by 33 runs.#PAKvsSA #Pakistan #SouthAfrica #BabarAzam #ShaheenAfridi #Cricket #T20 #WorldCup #ShadabKhan pic.twitter.com/2oPT7rGgsB
— Sky11 (@sky11official) November 3, 2022
Batting first Virat Kohli and KL Rahul’s fifties took India to 184/6 in 20 overs. Bangladesh was off to a flying start as opener Litton Das smacked a blistering counterattacking fifty, Then KL Rahul effected a brilliant run out from deep to send back Litton and the floodgates opener.
Bangladesh had a good start with the bat, but the match was reduced to 16 overs following rain interruption. It proved to be the turning point in the contest, as defending a revised target of 151 runs, the Indian bowlers looked in fine form as Bangladesh could only muster 145/6.
With this victory, India have claimed the top position in the Group 2 standings. Although no team has mathematically qualified but India and South Africa should have what it takes to qualify for the next phase.
