Pakistan stole the show against Pakistan in the World Cup 2015 by 29 runs through Duckworth-Lewis Method at the Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday. With this win, Pakistan have moved an inch closer towards quarter-finals berth while the loss did dent South Africa's confidence.
Earlier, AB de Villiers won the toss and elected to bowl first. Sarfraz Ahmed came in for Nasir Jamshed, played a key role in the win as he scored 49 crucial runs and also took six catches behind the wickets. However, once he was dismissed, Pakistan lost the plot. Misbah-ul-Haq tried to steady the innings and Afridi came up with some lusty blows with his willow. This is because of their efforts, Pakistan managed to reach a total of 222, which looked like a below par total.
The Proteas did well to restrict Pakistan to a paltry total. Pakistan suffered a collapse after the play resumed for the second time.
Due to rain truncating the Eden Park, the game was reduced to 47-overs-a-side and according to D/L method, South Africa had to chase to 232.
In reply, South Africa lost Quinton De Kock in the very first over. Then came Faf du Plessis and along with Hashim Amla, started building the innings. Amla looked in firm control of the innings as he slammed three fours off Sohail Khan in the sixth over. Faf on the other hand kept himself busy with his normal game, plucking singles and doubles at will. South Africa suffered a batting collapse and the show started from the 10th over.
Rahat ALi bowled a magnificent delivery to get rid of Faf. On the first ball of the next over, Wahab Riaz removed Hashim Amla for a quickfire 38. Then came Rilee Roussow above the skipper but departed after a brief stay at the crease. The next man to walk back to the pavilion was David Miller, who didn't disturb the scorers as he went for a golden duck. Back in the squad and the last recognized batsman, JP Duminy came to the crease. JP Duminy too fell on a short ball as he tried for a hook, but gave a catch at the fine leg. Dale Steyn looked positive in his outing, but was caught behind in the 24th over off Mohammad Irfan.
As the wicket kept tumbling, South Africa's chances of winning the match diminished. But AB de Villiers was still at the crease and played a classic innings to keep the team's hopes alive. The skipper took the Pakistani pacers to cleaners, hitting sixes and fours in every over. De Villiers faced 58 balls and blasted five sixes and seven boundaries to score a fantastic 77.
But just after AB's departure, the South African innings got wrapped up for a score of 202. The Pakistan pacers did a remarkable job and got their rewards with Wahab Riaz impressing the most.
Debutant Sarfraz Ahmed was adjudged the Man of the match for his solid 49 and six catches behind the wicket.