Pakistan Force Series Decider

Pakistan have taken their One-Day International series with South Africa to a decider after claiming an eight-wicket win on Sunday.

The tourists, who went into the match in Johannesburg trailing 2-1 in the five-game series, appeared to be up against it due to the absence of their captain Sarfraz Ahmed, who began his four-match ban for directing a racist comment towards South Africa’s Andile Phehlukwayo earlier in the series.

Shoaib Malik skippered Pakistan in Ahmed’s absence, as the tourists bowled South Africa out for just 164.

The Proteas had looked well placed at 119-2 earlier in their innings, but, once Faf du Plessis (57) and Hashim Amla (59) were dismissed, the wheels came off in spectacular fashion.

Seamer Usman Shinwari was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, ending with figures of 4-35, while he also came within inches of claiming a hat-trick, as, after dismissing Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada for ducks, he saw Beuran Hendricks inside-edge his next delivery, preventing him from falling lbw.

Pakistan made light work of chasing down South Africa’s total as they did so inside 32 overs with opener Imam-ul-Haq top scoring with 71, as they eventually ended on 168-2.

The two teams are now all level at 2-2 heading into the final match of the series which will take place in Cape Town on Wednesday.