Pakistan stun South Africa with 19-run D/L win

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan registered its first win in the ICC Champions Trophy over South Africa with a 19-run win on Duckworth-Lewis method, as rain forced an early abandonment of the match at Edgbaston.

Chasing a target of 220 runs, Pakistan was 119/3 at the end of 27th over – 19 runs ahead of the par score – when rain drove players back to the pavilion.

Debutant Fakhar Zaman offered Pakistan a quick start to kick-off the chase with 31 off the 23 deliveries. He stroked six boundaries before Morne Morkel got two quick wickets – of Zaman and Azhar – in the same over.

Mohammad Hafeez and Babar Azam scored 52 runs for the third wicket before the former was caught by Imran Tahir at fine-leg off Morne Morkel.

Following Hafeez’s wicket, Babar accompanied by Malik accelerated Pakistan’s scoring speed, anticipating a possible rain and making sure that the team stayed ahead of the par score.

Earlier, South Africa was restricted to 219 for 8 wickets in 50 overs after a disciplined bowling effort by Pakistan.

Fast bowling duo Hassan Ali and Junaid Khan, along with spinner Imad Wasim, left the opposition rattled with some great bowling display.

David Miller was the only South African batsman who looked comfortable against the Pakistani bowler and scored an unbeaten 75 off 104 deliveries.

Hassan Ali got three wickets for 24 runs, while Junaid Khan and Imad Wasim got two wickets apiece.

Pakistan had to win this match to keep alive hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals just after a humiliating defeat by title-holders India in their tournament opener on Sunday.

South Africa had earlier won the toss and elected to bat first.

Playing XI

Pakistan

South Africa