Shehzad ton helps Pakistan post 262 against South Africa

PORT ELIZABETH: Opener Ahmed Shehzad scored a brilliant century to guide Pakistan for setting a rather difficult target of 263 for South Africa in the second One-day International here at the St George’s Park on Wednesday.

Shehzad was run out after making 102 off 112 balls with eight fours and two sixes. He also completed his 1000 runs in One-day International cricket just before completing his third ODI century.

He added 126 valuable runs for the third wicket partnership along with young Sohaib Maqsood who hit 42 from 59 balls with three boundaries.

Sent into bat by South Africa after the match was reduced by five overs a side due to rain, Pakistan made a poor start losing two early wickets for just 22 but then Shehzad and Maqsood rescued them to take the score to 146 before the latter batsman was out caught by Hashim Amla off Ryan McLaren.

Then, captain Misbah-ul-Haq and allrounder Shahid Afridi could not stay for long and were dismissed for 12 and 11, respectively as Pakistan were 214-6 in 40 overs.

However, it was Umar Akmal who along with young allrounder Bilawal Bhatti accelerated the pace of scoring as Bhatti smashed three boundaries in an over from Steyn. However, he was dismissed in the same over after making 21 off 14 balls.

Akmal made 42 from 30 balls, hitting two sixes and four boundaries.