SA VS PAK T20I

Courtesy of tonight’s win, Pakistan stay in contention for the semi-finals with all to play for in their last group game. Whereas South Africa needs to beat the Netherlands on Sunday in order to seal their spot in the semis. As we get to the business end of the tournament, Group 1 action resumes tomorrow with a doubleheader. It will be Ireland taking on New Zealand first and that will begin at 9.30 am IST (4 am GMT) followed by Australia taking on Afghanistan at 1.30 pm IST (8 am GMT) in the second game of the day. As always you can join us for the build-ups that begin much sooner. Until then, take care and goodbye!

Babar Azam, the skipper of Pakistan says that they performed well and he is happy with the win. Adds that they were not up to the mark but Haris came on and set the momentum. Further says that everyone is his best player and everyone is the match winner. Says that the first two losses cost them but the way they played their last two was amazing. Ends by saying that cricket is a funny game and anything can happen.

Temba Bavuma, the skipper of South Africa says that he is disappointed with the bowling and fielding towards the end. Adds that they shouldn't have allowed Pakistan to post a formidable score after them being 5 wickets down. Shares that they need to ask questions of themselves and come up with answers and solutions. He Credits Pakistan with the way they batted and bowled. Reckons that weather is not an excuse since the bowlers practice with the wet ball as well. Feels that they did not adapt quickly and bowled with the shorter side of the ground instead of using the bigger side. Ends by saying that the game against Netherlands is a big game for them and they will try to take learnings from tonight's game to that game on Sunday.

Shadab Khan wins the Player of the Match for his all-round performance. He says that he has done this is PSL as well, Adds that this is an international game and so this is the best one. Further says that the pitch was a good one and a bit slower compared to Perth and has a spin as well. Mentions that he is happy to bat anywhere. Ends by saying that he is happy with the win and contribute to the team.

Stay tuned for the presentation...

Earlier in the night, Pakistan were off to a shaky start having been reduced to 43-4. Fifties by Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed helped Pakistan swing momentum in their way and post a challenging total on the board. South Africa were sharp with the new ball, but leaked apleanty in the death overs.

A complete performance by Pakistan! It was Shaheen Afridi who set the tone for Pakistan with two wickets in his first two overs. Just when a partnership was blossoming, Shadab Khan removed both set batters in the eighth over just before the rain intervened. With 73 needed off the final five overs, Pakistan held their nerves and successfully defended the total.

South Africa too lost one of their openers early when Quinton de Kock was dismissed in the first over. Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram then steadied the ship and kept the scoreboard ticking. With the threat of rain looming large, South Africa lost both batters in one over to put them in more misery. The revised target of 142 proved to be a lot and as a result, South Africa fell short by 33 runs.

Pakistan continue their domination over South Africa in the T20 World Cup. What a dominatng performance by Pakistan. First with the blade and then with the ball in hand. Although, with some luck on their side as the rain gods played a major part which forced the DLS method to intervene. So, Pakistan keep their hopes alive to make it to the Semis.

FOUR! Up and over! South Africa end their innings on a positive note but in a losing cause.It is full, outside off. Lungi Ngidi gets under it and lofts it over mid off. A couple of bounces and over the ropes.

A single now as Shamsi punches this length delivery to covers.

Tabraiz Shamsi is the last batter.

OUT! CAUGHT! South Africa are falling like a pack of cards. They lose their ninth wicket. A short ball, on off. Anrich Nortje stands tall and heaves it down to long on. This goes high in the air rather than travelling the distance and Mohammad Haris grabs it with both hands in the deep.

Short ball, wide of off. Anrich Nortje looks to chase it but misses.

Lungi Ngidi walks in.

OUT! RUN OUT! Another one bites the dust. Kagiso Rabada is the man to depart this time. It is full, on off. Anrich Nortje drills it to sweeper cover. The batters take a single but call for the second run as well. Mohammad Nawaz throws it to Haris Rauf at the non-striker's end, who is quick to take the bails off. The replays later confirm that Kagiso Rabada is well short of his crease.

Rauf goes full and outside off. Kagiso Rabada drives it to mid off for a quick single. A direct-hit could've made things interesting.