Auckland: Pakistan`s trio of left-arm pacemen bowled their team to a thrilling 29-run win over South Africa on the Duckworth/Lewis method as they revived their bid for a World Cup quarter-final place in Auckland on today.
Rahat Ali grabbed a career-best three for 40, while Mohammad Irfan (three for 52) and Wahab Riaz (three for 45) were also in the wickets as South Africa, chasing a revised target of 232 in 47 overs, were dismissed for 202 in 33.3 overs.
South Africa captain AB de Villiers hit a brilliant 58-ball 77 with five sixes and seven boundaries but failed to stop Pakistan from registering their third win in five matches — and their first victory over the Proteas in all World Cups.
Pakistan was all out in 46.4 overs after two rain interruptions which reduced the match to 47-over-a-side. Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq scored 56 while Sarfraz Ahmed made run-a-ball 49.
The victory, a third in succession, means Pakistan will definitely reach the quarter-finals if they beat Ireland in their final group game on 15 March.
Bureau Report
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