South Africa beats Pakistan in a nail-biting finish

South Africa clinched a thrilling victory over Pakistan by defeating the Men in Green by just one wicket while chasing a 271-run target in a crucial World Cup match on Friday.

Tail-ender Keshav Maharaj sealed the victory with a boundary against Muhammad Nawaz when the Proteas required just four runs.

Shaheen Shah Afridi emerged as Pakistan’s top wicket-taker, claiming three scalps, while Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, and Mohammad Wasim each secured two wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan put up 270 in the first innings of their sixth match in the International Cricket Council World Cup on Friday.

Skipper Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel scored half-centuries as the Green Team were all out in the 47th over.

Tabraiz Shamsi was the pick of the South African bowler as the leggie picked up four wickets for 60 runs in his 10 overs.

Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat against South Africa as the Green Shirts look to end a three-match losing streak in the ongoing World Cup.

The match is taking place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Pakistan made two changes to the squad. Hasan Ali was ruled out due to fever and Wasim Jr was brought in while Muhammad Nawaz took Usama Mir’s place.

Speaking after the toss, Azam said that every match was important and the team would try its best to put runs on the board.

“We need to improve in all departments, especially fielding and bowling,” he said.

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma is back after missing the last two games with a gastric problem.

Opener Reeza Hendricks has made way in one of three changes to the side that defeated Bangladesh by 149 runs in Mumbai on Tuesday. Kagiso Rabada, who has a back injury, and Lizaad Williams are replaced by leg spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and fast bowler Lungi Ngidi.

Pakistan have lost three matches in succession after winning their first two. South Africa are in a strong position with four wins in five games.
-AFP