Pakistan has finally shown up in the T20 World Cup Super 12 stage. After losing against India, and Zimbabwe, Babar and Co. earned much-needed points against South Africa. Showing their true potential, Pakistan stunned the leading team of Group 2 in their penultimate match at this stage. And with this win, Pakistan has kept its semi-final hope alive in the tournament.
Men In Green Stun South Africa at the Super 12 Stage
The match scheduled in Sydney saw a spell of rain washing over the South African innings. Pakistan set a score of 185 despite the top order disappointing once again. However, Iftikhar Ahmed along with Shadab Khan bamboozled with their quick knocks setting a partnership of over 85 among them. Khan scored a half-century within just 20 deliveries to take Pakistan’s score to a fighting total. Moreover, Iftikhar Ahmed led the charge of anchoring the innings amidst regular fall of wickets.
In the chase, South African skipper Temba Bavuma surprisingly put a case of impressive batting scoring 36 off just 19. Quinton de Kock, however, walked off rather quickly at Shaheen Afridi’s first-over attack. Tournament’s star Rilee Rossouw also failed to make an impact getting out on a mistimed shot. When the rain poured down at SCG, South Africa was 69 for 4 at the end of 9 overs.
Consequently, the rain caused the second innings to be reduced to 14 overs. And the target for South Africa was revised to 142. The chase then required South Africa to score 73 runs within 5 overs with 6 wickets in hand. However, Pakistan jostled the opponents scalping quick wickets. Eventually, Klassen, Stubbs, and Parnell got out without an impact leaving Africa in a dire situation.
Also Read: India beats Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup: All that went down in the rain-struck thriller
Can Pakistan Still Get Through To The Semi-Finals?
Ultimately, Pakistan clinched a much-needed victory over the otherwise mighty South Africa. With this win, Pakistan is still in the running to qualify for the semi-finals. Their next and last match in the Super 12 is scheduled against Bangladesh on November 6th. Pakistan will need to attain a big win to compete for its chances against Africa and India. Besides, one out of South Africa or India should lose against Zimbabwe or Netherlands respectively. With four points in account, Pakistan’s Net Run Rate is better than that of India.
