In a nail-biting encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on 27 October, South Africa clinched a heart-stopping victory over Pakistan by just one wicket in a crucial match of the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan faced an early stumble but managed to post a commendable 270 runs on the scoreboard before losing all their wickets. Captain Babar Azam (50), Saud Shakeel (52), and Shadab Khan (43) played pivotal roles in bolstering the Pakistani innings. The Proteas’ Tabraiz Shamsi proved lethal, securing four wickets, while Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee contributed with three and two wickets, respectively. Lungi Ngidi also chipped in with a crucial wicket.
In pursuit of 271, the Proteas encountered an early setback with de Kock’s departure, but Temba Bavuma (28) and Rassie van der Dussen (21) ensured the momentum remained in their favor. Despite intermittent wicket losses, Aiden Markram’s stellar performance (91) steered South Africa through the storm of Pakistan’s high-tide bowling assault. Ultimately, Keshav Maharaj’s boundary on the second delivery of the 48th over sealed the deal for the Proteas, securing a remarkable one-wicket victory with 16 balls to spare.
Shaheen Shah Afridi spearheaded Pakistan’s bowling attack with three crucial wickets, while Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim, and Usama Mir supported with two wickets each.
Following this thrilling triumph, South Africa vaulted to the top of the ICC points table, surpassing India with a total of 10 points. Meanwhile, Pakistan finds itself in the sixth position with 4 points.
Both teams opted for strategic alterations in their playing XI. An injury-induced absence of Hassan Ali led to Mohammad Wasim Jr’s inclusion, while Mohammad Nawaz marked a comeback after recovering from an injury. On the South African front, Temba Bavuma, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Lungi Ngidi found spots in the XI, replacing Reeza Hendricks, Kagiso Rabada, and Lizaad Williams.
