In an intense World Cup clash in Chennai on Friday (October 27), Pakistan found themselves thwarted by probing spells from Tabraiz Shamsi (4-60) and Marco Jansen (3-43), resulting in a challenging target of 270 runs for South Africa. Despite promising starts from several Pakistani batters, including captain Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel, none of them managed to anchor the innings effectively. Shamsi and Jansen led South Africa’s relentless pursuit of wickets, keeping Pakistan from breaking free, except for a few rare moments of aggressive play.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan’s early batting struggled as openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique fell during the initial Powerplay to Jansen. The pitch, similar to the one used in the New Zealand-Bangladesh game, offered opportunities for both pacers and spinners. Although the pitch had slowed due to repeated use, runs were still attainable. Despite early setbacks, Babar and Mohammad Rizwan maintained steady momentum. Rizwan, in particular, scored at a brisk pace. However, Gerald Coetzee’s dismissal of Rizwan disrupted their crucial partnership.
Babar continued to anchor the innings but witnessed his partners squander their starts. Iftikhar Ahmed struggled during his time in the middle and fell just as he seemed to be settling in. Babar, after reaching fifty, fell to a loose shot, which was a significant blow to Pakistan’s ambitions. Tabraiz Shamsi, brought in for Kagiso Rabada due to pitch conditions, bowled aggressively and, although he conceded some runs, his wickets were valuable for South Africa. His dismissal of Babar was pivotal, as the Pakistani captain was set for a substantial innings.
With the scoreboard reading 141/5 and nearly half of their allotted overs remaining, Pakistan faced the possibility of being bowled out well before the 50-over mark. Saud Shakeel and Shadab Khan then orchestrated a remarkable 84-run partnership, applying pressure on South Africa’s bowlers. Both batters expertly handled spin, making life difficult for South Africa’s slow bowlers, especially Keshav Maharaj. Shamsi conceded a few runs but eventually ended the partnership by removing Shakeel. However, once the partnership was broken, Pakistan’s innings unraveled.
South Africa’s bowlers efficiently dismantled Pakistan’s lower order, ultimately dismissing them with 20 deliveries to spare. While 270 remains a competitive total, Babar’s team will regret not utilizing their full allotment of overs, particularly considering their past performance at the same venue against Afghanistan.
Brief scores: Pakistan 270 in 46.4 overs (Saud Shakeel 52, Babar Azam 50; Tabraiz Shamsi 4-60, Marco Jansen 3-43) vs South Africa
- Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
