Pakistan’s semifibal hopes are alive after their thumping win against South Africa. They can hope for miracles now after doing what they needed to do. After 33 runs win (D/L method) against Protes at SCG, Pakistan stands in the third position of Group B with four points and decent NRR.
Despite a poor start, Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan’s half-century dragged Pakistan towards a big total. Pakistan were 43/4 before Nawaz (28) and Iftikhar shared 52 runs for the fifth wicket. Shadab Khan then smacked Proteas bowlers all over the park helping his side post 185 runs. Shadab scored 52 from 22 balls, hammering three fours and four sixes, while Iftikhar made 51. Anrich Nortje grabbed four wickets for South Africa.
In reply, South Africa were 69/4 after nine overs when rain disturbed the match. The revised target was 142 from 14 overs, with SA requiring 73 runs from five overs. Skipper Temba Bavuma topped the score chart with 36 runs. Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan pocketed three and two wickets respectively, for Pakistan.
Pakistan now must defeat Bangladesh and hope for either Netherlands’ win against SA or Zimbabwe’s win against India to book the spot in the semifinal.
