Pakistan ended the Proteas’ seven-game Pink Day ODI unbeaten streak and levelled the series 2-2 with an eight-wicket win at the Wanderers. KHALID MOHIDIN reports.
Pakistan could not have broken the Proteas’ Pink Day streak in a more satisfying manner. They dominated the hosts in front of a sold-out Wanderers crowd, firstly with the ball and then with the bat.
They won the toss and elected to bowl first and skittled the Proteas for 164 in 41 overs.
Usman Shinwari was the star performer for Pakistan, taking 4-35 after Shaheen Afridi (2-24) gave the visitors the perfect start by striking early with the new ball.
Hashim Amla (59) and Faf du Plessis (57) gave the Proteas some hope of recovery with their 101-run partnership, their wickets sparking an embarrassing collapse.
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Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq gave Pakistan a tidy start. Fakhar found some much-needed form and led the scoring to take Pakistan to 70 in 13 overs, but Imran Tahir got the breakthrough by dismissing him on 44.
Imam-ul-Haq continued to race away as the highest run-scorer in the series with his second half-century of the series and fifth overall.
Babar Azham joined Imam and provided the necessary support to see Pakistan over the line. Imam scored 72 off 91 balls, but lost his wicket with a run to win, gifting Phehlukwayo the wicket.
Babar finished on 41 off 53 balls as Pakistan reached their 165-run target in 31.3 overs, thanks to a Mohammad Rizwan cut shot for four.
The Proteas’ performance was way below par and Pakistan deserved their dominant victory.
Proteas 164 – Faf du Plessis 57, Hashim Amla 59; Usman Shinwari 4-35.
Pakistan 168-2 – Imam-ul-Haq 72 , Fakhar Zaman 44; Imran Tahir 1-40.
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
