After 25 games bearing considerable victory margins, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 finally produced a bonafide thriller. In the end, Keshav Maharaj held his nerve to see South Africa through to a nail-biting one-wicket win in Chennai. Led by pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan's bowlers turned things around dramatically to cheaply account for South Africa's lower-middle order and leave them eight down with 21 still to get. But No. 11 Tabraiz Shamsi hung on with Maharaj to snuff out Pakistan's hopes. Earlier, half-centuries from captain Babar Azam and southpaw Saud Shakeel and a handy 36-ball 43 from Shadab Khan, who was later replaced by Usama Mir as the ODI World Cup's first-ever concussion substitute, propelled the Men In Green to a challenging total of 270. However, they were left wondering what could have been, had they not been bowled out with 20 balls still to go. (Scorecard | Report | Point Table | Full Coverage)
The agonizingly narrow defeat leaves Pakistan on the brink of group-stage elimination, as they now have four losses and can only garner a maximum of 10 points, which is likely to prove insufficient for a semi-final berth. Pakistan's upcoming fixtures are against Bangladesh, New Zealand and England, and they need to win all three to have any outside chance of sneaking through.
That's all from our side!
Player of the match - Tabraiz Shamsi - (10-0-6-4)
Tabraiz Shamsi: I am overjoyed. I knew I had to work there, but the folks before me had already set everything up. Those guys deserve credit as well. I've played enough cricket to know that sometimes it works in your favour and sometimes it doesn't. I wasn't expecting to be here with my pads for this interview. (On the last over) If I tried to hit a huge shot and it didn't fall, the lads wouldn't welcome me back to the locker room. So there was no doubt in my mind that I needed to just defend and force Kesh to strike. These are the kinds of moments you fantasise about being in the centre at the end and winning a game for your side. Kesh was unbelievable out there.
11:00 pm: What captains said
Temba Bavuma, South Africa: At the moment, everything is in disarray. The boys are having a good time. Shamsi is being picked up by the men. If you are a South African fan, you will be pleased with the nail-biting conclusion. We haven't done well in resolving the pressure with our chase. Having those talks will be simpler, especially after the victory. You need to put the boys in the finest settings possible so that they can fully express themselves. It's difficult to predict right now, but such discussions will take place. It's something we've discussed and something that's been batted about. We have a blueprint when we bat first, but we can't say the same when we're chasing. We want to be much more precise with the bat. That's encouraging. KG (Rabada) is well; it was more of a preventive measure; he is suffering from lower back pain and will be ready for New Zealand after a couple of days of rest. Shamsi was overjoyed, starting with the ball and then with the bat when conditions were favourable. Shamsi has been gushing over his batting on social media. It won't stop for the next two weeks, but it's wonderful to see a veteran player like Shamsi come out swinging.
Babar Azam, Pakistan: We were so close, but we didn't finish well. It was a huge letdown for the entire squad. We battled back valiantly. We were 10-15 runs short in the batting. The quick bowlers and spinners fought bravely, but it was not to be. It's part of the game, and it's part of the game in DRS. It would have favoured us if he had handed it to us. We have a chance to win and stay in the race, but it was not meant to be. We shall give it our all in the next three matches, putting up our best effort to represent Pakistan. Let's see where we are after that.
Brief score: RSA - 271/9 (47.2)
Aiden Markram - 91(93), David Miller - 29(33) | Shaheen Afridi: (10-0-45-3)
South Africa won by 1 wicket!
It is Maharaj, who hit the winning runs!!!
Four runs...
10:32 pm: 5 runs needed in 3 overs
Mohammad Nawaz comes into the attack to bowl the 48th over.
10:20 pm: Tabraiz Shamsi survives
Haris Rauf thumped the pad of Tabraiz Shamsi when one wicket was needed to win. A review was taken, but it was the umpire's call. Shamsi survives...
9:50 pm: RSA - 249/6; Overs 31-40 Highlights
Aiden Markram led the run-chase with Miller. Aiden Markram survived a run-out scare. Shaheen Afridi departed David Miller for 29(33). Pakistan lost a review for a caught-behind appeal against Aiden Markram. Marco Jansen played some shots and collected some boundaries before Haris Rauf sent him back to the pavilion. Gerald Coetzee and Aiden Markram are at the crease. Pakistan need a few quick wickets to remain in the match.
8:50 pm: RSA - 191/4; Overs 21-30 Highlights
Heinrich Klaasen targeted Usama Mir and smacked a long six at the start of his inning. Both batters were looking good when Mohammad Wasim Jr broke the partnership and sent dangerous Heinrich Klaasen back to the pavilion for 12(10). David Miller joined Markrama at the crease. Markram continued his style of batting and played aggressive cricket. David Miller also started his innings with a six off Usama Mir and then again hit him for a six. Both batters controlled the further wicket loss for the Proteas and added crucial runs in the middle overs. South Africa is nearing the target with ease now. This phase added 66 runs for South Africa with the loss of Heinrich Klaasen's wicket.
8:00 pm: Usama Mir Concussion Sub
Usama Mir is the concussion substitute for Shadab Khan who got injured while fielding on the ground in the first powerplay.
8:00 pm: RSA - 125/3; Overs 11-20 Highlights
Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen added valuable runs in between. However, most of the contribution is made by Markram. He smashed the bowlers once the first powerplay finished. Markram hit two fours on Markram and kept hitting boundaries. Rassie van der Dussen was dealing in singles and doubles before he got trapped into spin bowling again. Usama Mir sent him back for 21(39). Heinrich Klaasen have joined Markram at the crease.
7:10 pm: RSA - 67/2; Overs 1-10 Highlights
Quinton de Kock gave a fiery start to the South African innings after smashing four consecutive boundaries off Shaheen's first over. Iftikhar Ahmed opened the bowling attack and conceded 11 runs in the first over. Shaheen gave 19 runs in the second over. But Quinton de Kock lost his wicket to Shaheen. Rassie van der Dussen played carefully and kept rotating the strike. Temba Bavuma kept hitting boundaries at regular intervals. Haris Rauf was introduced in the 8th over and Bavuma welcomed him with a six. In the last over of the powerplay, Bavuma got late for the pull and lost his wicket to Mohammad Wasim Jr. 67 runs were made in the first powerplay with the loss of two wickets.
6:20 pm: South Africa start batting
Temba Bavuma took the strike and Quinton de Kock joined him to open the innings for South Africa. Iftikhar Ahmed bowled first over and started with a wide boundary. 5 runs without any legal delivery. Poor start for Pakistan. Quinton de Kock also started with a boundary to put salt on the wounds. 11 runs from the first over.
Innings Break!!
Pakistan captain Babar Azam believed his bowlers and decided to defend a total against the power-packed South African side known for damaging any bowling line-up in this World Cup. After two quick scalps from Marco Jansen, Pakistan's innings was rebuilt by Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. But none could convert the start. Saud Shakeel and Shadab Khan then added crucial 84 runs for the sixth wicket and at a good run rate. After Shadab's wicket, however, Pakistan could not utilise the momentum and kept losing wickets at batting friendly pitch in M.A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Saud Shakeel, who came down the order today, played a beautiful knock before falling to Tabraiz Shamsi, who had a memorable outing today after missing a few matches for the Proteas. Shamsi took four wickets in the game. The failure to play all 50 overs may cost Pakistan. When Shadab and Shakeel were at the crease, it looked like they would easily go past 300. That said, South Africa did not have a good record while chasing in this tournament. The target is 271 runs.
Target set for South Africa - 271 runs in 300 balls
Brief score: PAK - 270/10 (46.4)
Saud Shakeel - 52(52), Babar Azam - 50(65) | Tabraiz Shamsi - (10-0-60-4)
5:10 pm: PAK - 225/6; Overs 31-40 Highlights
Shadab Khan and Suad Shakeel played beautifully in this phase to put Pakistan in a good position before Gerald Coetzee broke this partnership and sent Shadab Khan back for 43(36). 74 runs are added in the last 10 overs with just 1 wicket loss of Shadab Khan in the 40th over. Before that, Shadab was playing a fiery knock in Chennai with Saud Shakeel giving good support to his innings. Shadab smashed Maharaj for a four and then a six. Pakistan completed their 200-run in the 37th over. Saud Shakeel has also looked promising today and is still on the crease with Mohammad Nawaz. Pakistan still have batting left and they would be eyeing a near-300 total from this point.
4:25 pm: PAK - 151/5; Overs 21-30 Highlights
Iftikhar Ahmed and Babar Azam took the innings with a good pace. Both batters were looking good and playing shots with ease. Keshav Maharaj got targeted by them and Babar hit a flat six off Maharaj. Another spinner, Tabraiz Shamsi utilised the opportunity and got the wicket of Iftikhar when he tried to slog sweep him. Babar Azam completed his fifty in 64 balls and then Shamsi struck again to get his wicket. South Africa reviewed for a caught behind and the review showed a bat involvement. De Kock took a beautiful catch. Saud Shakeel and Shadab Khan are at the crease. 49 runs were made in the last 10 overs with the loss of 2 important wickets for Pakistan.
3:35 pm: PAK - 102/3; Overs 11-20 Highlights
Keshav Maharaj was introduced into the attack and he bowled some economical overs before Mohammad Rizwan broke the shackles and smashed him for a six with a slog sweep. Geral Coetzee delivered with the wicket of Mohammad Rizwan in his first over. Rizwan was caught behind by Quinton de Kock for 31(27). Iftikhar Ahmed got promoted up the order and came to bat at number five. Iftikhar looked good and positive so far. Pakistan completed their 100 runs in the 20th over. 44 uns made in the last 10 overs with the loss of Mohammad Rizwan's wicket.
2:50 pm: PAK - 58/2; Overs 1-10 Highlights
Marco Jansen started on a high note for Proteas with a maiden over. Abdullah Shafique lost his wicket after being caught at the deep square leg. Marco Jansen provided the first breakthrough. Babar Azam got a few freebies in the form of freehits and he utilised them. Imam-Ul-Haq got caught at the gully and it seemed as if only Marco Jansen is bowling from South Africa. Everything was happening on his bowling. Jansen also dropped a tough caught and bowl chance to Rizwan. Pakistan reached fifty runs in the 9th over. 58 runs were added in the first powerplay with the loss of the wickets of both openers for Pakistan.
2:04 pm: Pakistan start batting
Abdullah Shafique and Imam-Ul-Haq open the innings for Pakistan. The first over was bowled by left-arm seamer Marco Jansen and Abdullah Shafique played it comfortably. No runs for Pakistan from the first over. A maiden to start with for South Africa.
1:50 pm: Amazing statistics
South Africa last defeated Pakistan in a World Cup (ODI/T20I) match in 1999 and has subsequently lost all six head-to-head meetings.
1:30 pm: Toss Update
Pakistan have won the toss and have opted to bat
Teams:
South Africa (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock(w), Temba Bavuma(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi
Pakistan (Playing XI): Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf
1:30 pm: What captains said
Babar Azam: We'll bat first. Every match is now crucial, and we are concentrating on that. We need to improve in all categories, notably fielding. We must band together and debate how to improve. I'm relieved that I'm doing okay now. Hasan Ali is out due to illness, therefore Wasim Jr steps in. Nawaz is also back, Usama Mir misses out.
Temba Bavuma: We've played some excellent cricket, with some inspiring performances. With our bowlers and hitters clicking, we've gained some traction. This is not a T20 World Cup where you only play 4-5 group games; we must continue to perform well. I would have batted first here since it appears to be an excellent wicket. We'll have to make a rapid decision on how to proceed if it stays nice and firm like this. I return, Tabraiz Shamsi and Ngidi join us. Reeza Hendricks, Rabada, and Lizaad Williams miss out.
1:25 pm: Pitch Report
According to Sanjay Manjrekar and Russel Arnold, the pitch looks pretty decent. But reckon, Pakistan need to be tactically smart and should bat first and allow South Africa to chase, who have so far lost chasing against the Netherlands.
1:05 pm: Pitch Conditions
Today's match will be the final game in Chennai in this year's World Cup. With the Chepauk offering some assistance to the spinners, the pacers have been amongst the wickets as well so far.
12:44 pm: Squads
South Africa: Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram(c), Heinrich Klaasen(w), David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lizaad Williams, Temba Bavuma, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, Usama Mir, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Fakhar Zaman, Agha Salman, Mohammad Nawaz
Preview:
South Africa take on Pakistan in match 26 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Chennai. Not too long ago, the Proteas and Pakistan were treading on a similar path after the first three games but it's a different picture altogether. South Africa were well and truly beaten by the Dutch in Dharamsala but since then have beaten England and Bangladesh, convincingly. In comparison, Pakistan have lost to Australia and Afghanistan and with many behind-the-scenes issues hovering around, Babar Azam's side need a quick recovery if they are to have any chance of sealing a semi-final spot.
Babar Azam's side currently sit sixth in the points table and face a second-placed South Africa in the World Cup fixture in Chennai. Pakistan lost to Afghanistan at the very same venue and would not want a repeat of the same fixture against the Proteas. South Africa are in supreme form coming into this fixture, with the likes of Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen all on the run-scoring list. Pakistan have lost three of their five games and another defeat tonight, would mathematically end their chances of qualifying for the semi-final. For the Proteas, another win and they could go level on points with India.
