3rd T20I, Centurion, April 14, 2021, 06:00 PM
South Africa
203/5(20.0ov)
Pakistan
205/1(18.0ov)
Pakistan beat South Africa by 9 wickets
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Babar Azam
Commentry
So, that is it from this game! A run-fest is what we witnessed and we can expect no different from the last game which now turns out to be a must-win for the hosts. That match will be played on the 16th of this month at 1430 local (1230 GMT). Till then, take care and goodbye!
MAN OF THE MATCH AND Pakistan skipper, Babar Azam, says he was waiting for such an innings, he had this planned and it came off today. States he plays to his strength and he tries to play as the team needs him to. Credits Rizwan for the way he played and he actually boosts the morale of the side. Admits the dream of being the number ODI batsman was a dream and it came off today and he tries to improve everyday. Tells that the first six overs is being played well by the South African batters but he credits the bowlers for their comeback towards the end.
South African captain, Heinrich Klaasen, says it is tough to explain, he felt he was about 10 runs short and they lost momentum at the back end. Credits Pakistan for the way they batted, they made a lot of good balls look bat and they were poor in the field. Adds there is a lot to think about and they need to bounce back strongly. Mentions they have played a lot of cricket at this stadium and he knows 200 is not enough as it is not an easy ground to defend, they needed to be at their best in the field but that was not the case and they were not complacent. Also says if you bowl well, 210-220 would have been par. Ends by saying they need someone to go on a big one after getting past fifty and that is where they need to improve.
Earlier in the day, after electing to bowl, the Pakistan bowlers took a pounding. A very good opening stand saw the foundation laid for a big score for the hosts. They did not end well with the bat but still managed to get over 200. That though was chased without breaking a sweat as Pakistan's skipper, along with Rizwan rose to the occasion.
The South African bowling was not at its best, the bowlers were short, width was offered which made batting very easy on a wicket which was already favoring the batters. Yes, it is not easy conditions to bowl in but the bowling was also poor. The fielding did not help either as there were a few run out chances which were not taken and a dropped catch too. South Africa were qutie off color in the field in this game.
They took the initial two overs to get their eye in but once they did, they tonked the ball to every corner of the park. Especially Azam who was hitting boundaries at will. Rizwan was happy to play second fiddle and he did it brilliantly. The skipper scored a ton and his partner scored a half ton. Just as it seemed like, they would record a 10-wicket win, Azam fell right at the end. However, that was a thumping win.
What a win that is! A mockery was made of 204! Not often do we get to write that but that is the case! Yes, the wicket is as flat as one can get and the ground is small but you have to bat really well while chasing 204 and the Pakistan openers have done it brilliantly.
In over# 1
4
4
0W
1
1
1
Lizaad Williams 34/1(4)
17.6
4
FOUR! Smashed away! Zaman hits the winning runs! It is full and on off, it is powered down to the long off fence. PAKISTAN WIN BY 9 WICKETS AND WITH TWO OVERS TO GO!
17.5
4
FOUR! Just the three needed now! Shorter and outside off, Zaman looks to push at it but it goes off the outside edge down to the third man fence.
17.4
W
OUT! TAKEN! South Africa finally get a wicket. End of a once in a lifetime innings! A masterclass! The hosts' players walk up to Azam and congratulate him as he walks off. This has been special. Not the best of balls to get him but Lizaad will be delighted he has a wicket and has not given a 10-wicket win to Pakistan. This is short and down the leg side. Azam looks to pull, it goes off the glove and to the keeper who takes it.
17.3
1
Shorter and on the pads, this is worked towards fine leg for one more.
17.2
1
Azam now plays it down to third man for one.
17.1
1
Shorter and on off, the upper cut is played down to third man for one.
In over# 1
1
1
2
4
4
1
Sisanda Magala 38/0(3)
16.6
1
A full toss, Rizwan only manages to work it towards deep square leg for one. 10 needed now.
16.5
1
On middle, this is hit down to long on for one.
16.4
2
Just the two hits away now! On middle, this is worked wide of long on for one.
16.3
4
FOUR! That is outrageous! Wow! How has he got that down there? What a player! This is a yorker on middle and leg. Azam gets his front leg out of the way and then jams it out fine on the off side to the third man fence.
16.2
4
FOUR! Full toss, a batsman batting on over 100 won't miss out. It is hit wide of long on.
Home