Pakistan vs South Africa ICC CWC, 2023 Full Scorecard

FOUR! SOUTH AFRICA HAVE DONE IT! Flat and on middle, Maharaj whips it behind square leg, past the infield player for a boundary. South Africa win by 1 wicket.

A boundary needed now. Flat and on off, this is flicked to square leg for a single.

Who will bowl now?  Pakistan have to gamble. It has to be Usama Mir. Nope, it is Mohammad Nawaz. 5 runs needed in 18 balls.

Very full and on middle, Maharaj defends, inside edges it onto the pads.

A length ball, around off, Maharaj makes a solid block.

Length ball, outside off, Shamsi dabs it to third man for one. Pakistan have to bring in more players. Babar Azam is not aggressive here.

A length ball on off, Shamsi looks to defend but inside edges it onto the pads. The emotions are high in Chennai. Anybody's game.

Length ball, outside off, Maharaj punches it through covers for a single. South Africa are one hit away.

Shorter and outside off, Maharaj slashes his blade and misses.

Wide! 7 needed. Full and sliding down leg, Maharaj misses his clip.

Shaheen Afridi is done, Haris Rauf is done. Mohammad Wasim has just one over. Pakistan will hope the game ends in this over as they will have to go to spin after that.

Pakistan are pumped up. They have taken a review for LBW. No bat on this one. It is umpire's call on wicket's hitting. On-field decision stays. Not out! A length ball on middle and leg. Shamsi misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. The replay shows it clips the leg pole. Very close. The reaction of Pakistani players is priceless.

DOT BALL! A yorker, outside off, this is jammed to point.

Wide! 8 runs needed. Length and slanting down leg. Shamsi misses his clip.

TWO RUNS! 9 runs needed now. Fuller and on off. Shamsi gets a leading edge through point, in the gap for two points.

Tabraiz Shamsi is the last man in. Can he survive and get Keshav Maharaj on strike?

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Pakistan need one more wicket. What a game this is turning out to be. This is full and angling on middle, Ngidi tries to use the angle and flick but gets a leading edge back to Haris Rauf who dives forward, gets his left hand out and plucks right above the ground. Unbelievable!

Another dot! This is full and outside off, swings away. Ngidi looks to drive but misses.

DOT! A length ball on off, Ngidi hops and blocks.

Dot to end! Good length and on middle, blocked.

WIDE! Bonus runs! Down the leg side. Wided.

Back of a length and on off, this is guided to point.

The idea is right but the line is not the one he wants to bowl! This is on the pads, Lungi Ngidi looks to flick but misses. This hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.

Back of a length and around off, Lungi Ngidi looks to guide it towards point but it goes off the underedge towards the keeper.

13 needed! Feel Pakistan are a little too defensive! Need to bring in more fielders! This is fuller and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

A little too straight and on the pads, Lungi Ngidi looks to flick it but misses, it hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.

Mohammad Wasim is back!

BEATEN AGAIN! End of a top spell by Shaheen Afridi! Brilliant! Length and around off, it lands and moves away. Keshav Maharaj is beaten as he tries to defend.

Around off, defended.

Too wide! Waste of a delivery. Left alone.

Edged but wide! Outside off, shorter, Lungi Ngidi hangs his bat out, it goes off the outside edge but wide of first slip and down to third man for one.

Back of a length and on off, defended. Shaheen needs to be fuller. He also needs to attack the stumps. He has been way too short so far.

WIDE! Bonus run! Short and down the leg side. Wided.

Whizzes past the outside edge! On a length and around off, Lungi Ngidi looks to defend but is beaten.

Flatter and on off, this is pushed to cover.

Well bowled! Floated up on off, kept out again.

Tossed up, nice and slow on off, this is pushed to cover.

The googly but it is too short, Lungi Ngidi has enough time to work it on the leg side for one more.

Another single! Singles will do it! Tossed up on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

This is not what Azam wanted him to bowl. Tossed up on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.

Brilliant over again! From around the wicket, he angles it into the off pole and then gets it to move away. Keshav Maharaj is beaten again as he tries to defend. Good stuff. It keeps Ngidi on strike now against the leggie.

That is a beauty! Length and around off, this lands and moves away. Keshav Maharaj is beaten as he looks to defend.

Yes, no but in the end a single! The fielder in the deep was quite lazy! Fuller and outside off, this is driven through covers. Ngidi wants a run but Keshav Maharaj is in two minds. Both stop halfway down but the fielder in the deep takes his own time to get to the ball. He is unaware. A single in the end.

Almost! All of a sudden the Pakistan fans have found their voice here! On a length and around off, this lands and moves away. Lungi Ngidi is beaten as he looks to defend.

Not the best of buts! This is well wide outside off, left alone.

Lungi Ngidi walks out to bat. He is not known for his batting but all he has to do is stay in there with Keshav Maharaj! Not going to be easy as Pakistan have their tails up.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Two in the last two overs and Pakistan will feel they are on top now. They are two wickets away with South Africa needing another 21 runs. It is Shaheen Afridi who gets the breakthrough. He has his third. Now they surely believe as they are into the tail. This is fuller and outside off, angling away. Gerald Coetzee goes after it away from the body, it takes the outside edge and the keeper does the rest.

Keshav Maharaj survives! Shorter and around off, this is guided to point.

On middle, defended.

Flighted ball and on off, it is pushed to cover.

Tossed up on middle, it is worked to mid-wicket.

Keshav Maharaj is the new man in.

OUT! TAKEN! Babar Azam takes it and puts in a loud roar. He believes, the Pakistan dug out now believes as they have got the last recognized batter, Aiden Markram! Usama Mir, the gamble to go to him pays off. South Africa still 21 runs away. This time luck favors Usama Mir. We saw a couple of times, Markram clearing point after the ball hitting the outer half but this time it finds the fielder. This is tossed up outside off, Aiden Markram's eyes lit up as he sees the flight. He looks to go big downtown but it goes off the outer half towards point. Azam takes it by running back. Top knock from Markram but has he opened the door for Pakistan here?

Gerald Coetzee gets off strike! Tossed up on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

Powerplay 3! Now a total of 5 fielders can be placed outside the ring. Really do not think Pakistan will need that many fielders outside the 30-yard area. Also, Usama Mir comes on.

TWO MORE! 22 runs needed now. Length ball, outside off, Markram crunches it through covers for a brace.

Fuller and outside off, swings in late. Markram slashes but bottom edges it to the keeper. He is feeling the pressure.

Length ball, outside off, Gerald Coetzee uses the pace and plays it to short third man. A direct-hit at the batter's end and Markram was in serious trouble.

Angling on middle, Gerald Coetzee tucks it to mid on.

This is full and outside off, Gerald Coetzee splices his driven through backward point for a couple.

Shorter and outside off, Markram works it to covers for a single.

On a length and on off, this is tapped to backward point.

Outside off on a length. Gerald Coetzee dabs it to third man for a couple more. Shaheen Afridi does well there.

Full and outside off, this is punched to cover.

30 runs needed now. Angling on the pads, this is flicked through square leg for a couple.

Length and outside off, Markram works it through covers for a single.

Drops it short and outside off, Gerald Coetzee ramps it over to third man for a single.

On a length and on off, Markram punches it to cover.

Outside off, this is guided to third man for one more.

This is full and on middle and leg, Gerald Coetzee keeps it out.

Full and on the pads, this is flicked to deep square leg for a single.

Shorter and on off, Markram punches it to cover.

On a length and on middle, Markram blocks. Markram needs to be tactical and calculative from now. The win rests on him now.

This is full and on off, it is pushed to mid off.

Gerald Coetzee walks out to the middle.

OUT! GONE! Soft dismissal. Quick innings from Jansen comes to an end. A length ball, outside off, Jansen tries to ride it past backward point but plays aerially and to the left of Babar Azam who takes a fine catch.

SIX! How about that from Jansen! This is very full and around off. Jansen makes room, gets low and tonks it over long off for a six. Right off the middle.

FOUR!  Well played! This is short and outside off, Jansen opens the face of the bat in the last moment and dabs it through third man.

A length ball, outside off, this is guided to third man for a single.

On a length and on off, Markram keeps it out.

Too full and on off, Jansen smashes it down to Wasim who somehow gets a foot on it and saves crucial runs.

FOUR! Jansen might just be the aggressor from here on. South Africa don't want to take it deep. Length ball on off, this is hammered down past the diving mid on fielder for four.

Some reverse swing here. On middle, Markram is cramped as he looks to push, inside edges it to fine leg for one.

FOUR! Enough on it. Shorter and around off, Markram pulls and plays it straight down the ground for a boundary. Not off the middle but gets the desired result.

Short of a length and outside off, zips back in a bit. Markram slashes his blade and misses. Mohammad Rizwan is not interested but some of the other Pakistani players are. Pakistan take the review. UltraEdge shows nothing on it. Case closed.

A yorker on the pads. Jansen tucks it to square leg for a single.

On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Just wide. This is slower and down leg. Jansen plays the reverse sweep, it goes off the top edge wide of short third man. Two.

Yet another one as this is eased down to long off.

On middle, this is pushed down to long off for one.

Yet another full toss but this time Jansen finds the fielder at short third man with the reverse sweep.

Usama comes on. He starts with a full toss which is driven through covers for one.

Goes short and on middle, this is pulled through square leg for one.

Goes full this time, Jansen gets his bat down and works it to mid on for one.

A short one on the body. Defended.

On middle, defended.

Almost another one. Full and wide outside off, Marco goes after it but is beaten.

Marco Jansen walks out to bat!

TAKEN! HAS IT BEEN? IT IS REVIEWED! OUT! A clear spike. Miller has to walk back. The catch is clean too and just as the curtains were shutting on Pakistan. They get the important wicket. It is Shaheen who does it. Good length and on off, this lands and moves away. Takes the edge and Rizwan does the rest.

On off, defended.

Around off, kept out.

WIDE! Short and down the leg side. Wided.

On middle. Defended.

Two more! On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for a couple.

FOUR! FLAYED AWAY! This is short and asking to be hit. It is cut over point and it races away to the fence.

Around off, kept out.

Nailed but only one. Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through square leg for one.

Two more. Outside off, this is slapped past cover for two.

Fuller and on off, this is driven but to covers.

Bangs it short, angles it away. Markram looks to pull but misses.

Wasim is in some pain now, he maybe struggling with cramps and is getting treated.

Direct hit was needed but it does not come. Fuller and on off, this is driven towards mid off. The fielder Wasim fumbles and they go for one. He has a shy at the keeper's end but misses.

Shorter and outside off, it is guided down towards third man for one.

Lands short. Outside off, Markram drives this on the up but this lands short of sweeper cover for one.

Bangs it short and on middle, ducked under.

Outside off, this is guided down to third man for one.

Shorter and on middle, this is pulled towards deep square leg for one.

In the air but safe! Rauf bowls a slower one. Markram is early into the flick. It goes off a soft leading edge to mid off.

Around off, kept out.

This is full and around off, Miller works it to cover.

Goes for the short ball on leg, Miller sits under it.

Outside off, this is dropped to point.

Shorter and on middle, Markram pulls along the carpet to square leg for one.

On middle, Markram blocks it out.

Wide! This is short and outside off. Markram slashes and misses.

Length ball on middle, this is hit to square leg for one.

Drinks! South Africa looks like the winner from here on. They just need 83 runs with a lot of batting left. Aiden Markram and David Miller look well settle and could get this game over the line with ease. Pakistan need a miracle and will look upon Shaheen Afridi.

Flat and on middle, Markram blocks.

SIX! Over the infield and over the ropes. Beautiful shot. Tossed up, outside off, easy for Markram who lofts it over mid off for a six.

On the pads, Miller works it to square leg for one.

Slanting on the pads, Miller keeps it out.

Around off, this is drilled to long on for a single.

Full and outside off, this is dropped to point.

Iftikhar Ahmed is back into the attack.

FOUR! Pakistan puts a field there but it still goes over him. Shorter and outside off, Miller looks to cut but outside edges it over first slip who leaps but to no avail. Boundary. 12 runs of the over.

Shorter and on leg, Miller sits under it.

Around off, Miller pushes it to cover.

FOUR! Off the edge! This is full and outside off, Miller drives, it goes of the outside edge to third man for a boundary. Miller won't mind.

TWO WIDES! A bouncer and it goes over the batter. Mohammad Rizwan gets a big hand and the batters take one.

Full and outside off, Miller plays it through covers for a single.

On a length and on middle, Markram works it to long on for a single.

Spinning onto the pads. Miller tickles it to short fine leg.

Too full and on off. Miller smashes it down to mid off.

Tossed up on middle, Miller defends it out.

Wide! Spills it down leg, it is left alone.

On middle, this is pushed to mid on.

SIX! MASSIVE! Out comes the slog sweep and it is nailed. Right over the mid-wicket fence. Strong hit.

Tossed up on off, kept out.

FOUR! Connects and connects well. Shorter and on off, Markram pulls and gets it over mid on for a boundary.

Shorter and outside off, Markram looks to pull this time but misses.

Fuller and on middle, this is pushed to mid on.

This is short and on off. Miller ramps it to third man for a single.

Drops it short and around off. Miller lets it go.

TWO RUNS! Length and outside off. Markram slaps it through mid off where Shaheen Afridi gets a hand and keeps it to two.

FOUR! JUST OVER AGAIN! Nothing gong right for Pakistan. Frustrating for them. Outside off, Markram goes after it, it turns away, goes off the outer half but over point and to the fence behind. Also, fifty for Markram. He has played a wonderful knock but needs to get his team over the line.

On middle, kept out.

Another single as this is eased down yo long to long on.

Fuller and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

On the pads, Miller looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. Leg bye taken.

Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.

Around off, defended.

A loud shout but nothing. Rizwan was very excited for moment. On off, angling away. Miller pushes it to covers.

Around off, blocked.

That is a snorter. This guy is bowling with heat. A short one on middle, it takes off. Miller looks to fend at it but it beaten.

Angled into the pads, Markram swings, it goes off the inside edge onto the pads. It rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.

Around off, this is pushed to mid off.

On middle, this is worked to square leg.

SIX! IN THE ARC AND OUT OF THE PARK! Tossed up and on middle, this is lofted over long on for a biggie.

On off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

Just over. Floats it up again, this one turns away. Markram looks to drive. It goes off the outer half over point for two.

Tossed up on off, kept out.

Beaten! The ball has started to do things now. Floats it up on off, Markram looks to drive but is beaten.

Dot to end! On off. This is pushed to cover. Top over from Wasim.

Good length and on off, this is guided to point.

OUT! TAKEN That missed chance has not cost a lot. A huge wicket is taken by Wasim. Where has he been all this while. He has been brilliant today. Beaten for pace here is Heinrich Klaasen. This is short and on middle, Klaasen looks to pull, it goes off the to edge down to third man and the fielder does the rest. Pakistan back into this one.

Outside off, shorter, this is cut down towards third man for one.

Wasim needed to hit. There was a chance for Pakistan and such chances need to be taken when you're behind in the game. Short and on off, Heinrich Klaasen looks to pull, he gets an inside edge onto the pads. It rolls on the off side. They go for one. Wasim gets to the ball, picks it up, turns and has a shy at his end but misses.

Wasim who is into the attack, starts off with one which tails back in from off, it is pushed to mid-wicket.

Tossed up on off, kept out.

Flatter and on middle, Markram works it to mid-wicket.

Tossed up on off, this is pushed down to long off for one more.

Two more. Outside off, this is cut towards point. The fielder dives over the ball. Two results.

Flatter and on off, this is pushed to cover.

SIX! THAT IS A GIFT! Full toss, Heinrich Klaasen does not need a second invitation. He slams it over mid-wicket for a biggie.

An arm ball on middle, Klaasen plays it to long off for a single.

Around off, Aiden Markram strokes it through covers for one more.

Flat and on middle, this is flicked to square leg.

Floated, outside off, driven back to the bowler.

Klaasen is underway. Full and on off, this is pushed to long off for a single.

Angling on the pads, this is nudged to square leg for a single.

Too full and on off, this is pushed to cover.

Heinrich Klaasen is the new man in.

OUT! LBW! Usama Mir has done it. However, Rassie van der Dussen has taken a review. He feels it is spinning down. It was the googly, flat and on middle and leg, van der Dussen misses his clip and gets hit on the pads. No bat on it. Ball Tracking shows it is umpire's call on the impact and also on wicket's hitting. On-field decision stays. Out of nowhere, Usama Mir has made an impact.

Flat and outside off, van der Dussen knocks it to point.

On middle, this is eased down to long on for a single.

Tossed up, outside off, van der Dussen works it through covers for one.

Flatter and outside off, this is hit through covers for a single.

Change. Usama Mir, the concussion substitute to bowl now.

This is full and outside off, van der Dussen strokes it to cover. Good stop.

Full and on middle, defended out.

Fuller ball, outside off, Aiden Markram swings, it goes off the toe end and through point for a single.

South Africa are happy to knock it around. On middle, this is drilled to long on for one.

Tossed up, outside off, this is driven through covers for a single.

Around off, this is pushed to cover.

Ends the over with a bouncer on middle, van der Dussen sits under it.

TWO RUNS! Fuller and on middle, van der Dussen flicks it wide of square leg for two more.

Short in length and on middle, this is pulled behind square leg for a single.

TAP AND RUN! Too full on middle, van der Dussen eases it to mid on for a single.

On a length and outside off, this is guided to third man for a singe.

Haris Rauf has suddenly found his rhythm. Length ball, outside off, stays low. Aiden Markram looks to pull but misses.

Too full and on middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

Another single as Aiden Markram works it to long off.

Full and on middle and leg, van der Dussen tickles it to square leg for one.

Tossed up on off, van der Dussen blocks.

Very full and on middle, this is flicked to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Flat and on off, this is punched to mid-wicket.

Beauty! Good length and on off, this lands and moves away. Rassie van der Dussen is beaten as he looks to defend.

A bye taken! This is short and on middle, Aiden Markram looks to pull but misses. This swings away a long way from the keeper who does well to stop it. A run taken in the end.

CONCUSSION SUB! Shadab Khan who was going to come back has decided not to. He has been replaced by Usama Mir as a concussion sub.

Bangs it in short and on middle, this is pulled towards deep mid-wicket for one.

On the pads, this is worked down to fine leg for one.

Bangs it short and on middle, Rassie van der Dussen pulls it towards deep square leg for one.

A slower one outside off, this is guided down to third man for one.

Drinks! South Africa have gone full throttle in this chase and by the looks of it, if Pakistan fail to take wickets anytime soon, this will look like a very small score. Aiden Markram is firing all gas cylinders and is in no mood to stop. We have some news, Shadab Khan will not take part in this game. A like-for-like concussion substitue can be used.

Floats it up on off, this is pushed to cover.

On middle, this is pushed with the turn to cover.

SIX! BANG! That is a powerful hit! It was not that short, Aiden Markram rocks back and hammers it over the mid-wicket fence. Used the crease really well. Outstanding. 100 up. South Africa are cruising along.

Another single! On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Flatter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Gives it air and lands it on middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

Good length and on off, Aiden Markram stands tall and pushes it through covers for one more.

Good fielding! Shorter and around off, Aiden Markram stands tall and guides it to point.

BEATEN! Shorter and outside off, Aiden Markram slashes but misses.

Good length and on off, this is blocked.

SIX! What a shot that is! Then the stare too to Haris Rauf! This is banged in short and around off, Aiden Markram upper cuts it and it sails over the third man fence. Lovely stroke.

Angled into the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

FOUR! CUT AWAY! This is short again and outside off, Aiden Markram waits and then cuts it past point. This one races away to the fence too. The last three balls go for 10 runs.

Two more! The ball seems to be coming nicely onto the bat! Length and on off, this is pushed wide of cover for two.

FOUR! Probably not where he intended but the result he wanted! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled over mid on. This one races away to the fence.

Good length again and around off, this is pushed to cover.

On the shorter side, this is cut past point for one.

Wasim has been really good so far! Good length and on off, defended.

Another really good short one. It is on the body! Aiden Markram evades it well. A stare from Haris Rauf after that.

FOUR! That is not a good ball! This over was a really good one and it has been spoils! Fuller and outside off, this is driven through covers and it races away to the fence.

Good length and on off, this is pushed to mid off.

Right onto the helmet! That was a very quick ball! Shorter and on middle, Rassie van der Dussen looks to pull but is beaten for pace. He gets hit on the helmet. It goes towards third man for one. Leg bye signaled.

Angled into middle, this is tucked towards mid on for one.

Outside off, shortish, this is guided through point for one.

Time for Powerplay 2! Now a maximum of 4 fielders can be placed outside the ring till the 40th over.

Excellent stuff from Wasim. Length ball, outside off, Markram hops and blocks it out.

Aiden Markram is the new man in.

OUT! GONE! The skipper goes. Hits the hard-length and bowls it on middle, Bavuma tries to heave, he did well before but this time the extra bounce doesn't help him. He mistimes it to mid-wicket where Saud Shakeel initially went backwards but runs forward and takes in the end.

Shorter and outside off, van der Dussen punches it to point who half-stops for a single.

Outside off, this is punched to cover.

Goes short now, outside off, van der Dussen hops and knocks it to point.

Length ball, outside off, van der Dussen plays it to point.

Change. Mohammad Wasim to steam in now.

9 runs from it. Length and outside off, van der Dussen hits it to third man for a single.

SWING AND A MISS! Short in length and outside off, van der Dussen slashes and misses.

Length and on off, tapped to point for a single.

SIX! First of the chase. One thing teams have started to do is put pressure on Haris Rauf right from the start which makes the seamer a bit shaky. Length and on off. Bavuma goes back and tonks it over mid-wicket on the ropes for a six.

A length ball on middle, 142 clicks. Bavuma defends under his eyes.

Full and on middle, van der Dussen eases it to mid on for a quick single.

Haris Rauf is into the attack. He needs to deliver in this game.

FOUR! Clears the infield and finds the fence. Full and outside off, Bavuma lofts, it goes off the outer half and over covers for a boundary.

Excellent from Afridi! Showing his experience. Bowls it slow, full and outside off. Bavuma has a poke but misses.

This is very full and outside off, shapes in off the deck. Mohammad Rizwan was wrong-footed but does well to stop.

Length ball, going across outside off. Bavuma leaves it alone.

Pitched up, outside off, Bavuma drives but to point.

DROP AND RUN! Length ball on middle, this is nudged to mid-wicket for a quick single.

13 runs of it then. On middle, this is blocked out.

FOUR! Third one in the over. 50 up! Just helping it away. Too full and on middle, Bavuma flicks it through mid on and mid-wicket for a boundary.

Slows it up and serves it on middle, this is blocked.

FOUR! Classic shot. Tossed up, outside off. Bavuma shapes for the inside-out and plays it to perfection over covers.

FOUR! Plays it very fine. Full and on middle and leg. Bavuma paddles it fine to the fine leg fence.

Flat and on middle, this is tucked to square leg for a single.

Good comeback from Shaheen Afridi after that first over. Length and on off, dropped to point.

Tight from Afridi! Length and on middle, this is blocked.

Length ball on off, Bavuma nudges it to mid-wicket.

This is around off and nips in lately, van der Dussen looks to defend but inside edges it to square leg.

Good-length ball, outside off, van der Dussen punches it to cover.

A length ball, around off, van der Dussen defends it out.

Floats it up on off, defended.

Good news for Pakistan! Shadab Khan is okay and will return.

Angled into the pads, this is nudged around the corner for one.

Better! Slows it up and bowls it on middle, defended.

Confusion but safe in the end! On middle, this is pushed towards mid on. They go for one. Rassie van der Dussen is late to take off. Rizwan wants the throw to come to him but it is at the bowler who collects it.

Flatter and on off, defended.

Brilliant from the fielder! Such efforts will lift the spirit! This is a poor ball, shorter and on middle, it is pulled wide of mid on. The fielder dives to his right and saves three for his side.

Mohammad Nawaz comes on now. We did not see a lot of turn for Iftikhar Ahmed, can Mohammad Nawaz get some?

On the pads, this is worked down to fine leg for one. End of a successful over for Shaheen.

Good length and on off, defended again.

Good length and on middle, defended well.

Rassie van der Dussen walks out to bat!

OUT! TAKEN! Shaheen Afridi strikes! This time Pakistan hold onto the first catch they get! Huge, huge wicket.The man with three tons in the World Cup so far has to walk back. He will feel a little hard done. He hit that well but straight to the fielder. Shortish and on middle, Quinton de Kock rocks back and pulls it but straight to square leg. Mohammad Wasim takes it. Can this be the confidence booster Shaheen needed? Pakistan will hope so.

Good length again and on off, Quinton de Kock pushes it to covers.

Beauty! Length and around off, this one shapes away, Quinton de Kock looks to push at it but is beaten.

Shorter and around off, this is pushed to cover.

On the pads, Temba Bavuma works it behind square on the leg side for two.

On middle again, this is nudged to mid-wicket.

Easy single! On off, this is eased down to long off for one.

On middle, this is pushed down towards mid on for one.

Flatter and on middle, defended.

19 from the first over bowled by Shaheen Afridi! South Africa are going at 15 per over after the first two! The last ball is a dot though. Good length and on off, kept out.

Two more! Bangs it short and on middle, Quinton de Kock pulls it through mid-wicket for two.

FOUR! Clipped away! Four in a row! Shaheen Afridi goes full again but drifts it into the pads, this is worked past mid-wicket. Another boundary.

FOUR! Caressed! Third boundary in a row! Yet another half volley, this is full again and around off, Quinton de Kock drills it through covers. No chance of stopping that too.

FOUR! Off the outside edge and over the first slip fielder! That is a lucky boundary! This is shorter and around off, a little bit of extra bounce. Quinton de Kock slashes, it goes off the outside edge over the slip fielder and into the fence.

WIDE! Some shape but this is well wide outside off, left alone. South Africa are off to a flier.

FOUR! Cut away! Welcome into the attack, Shaheen Afridi! This is short and wide outside off, it is asking to be hit. This is slapped past point and the ball races away to the fence.

Pace from the other end then as the ball is given to Shaheen Afridi!

Angled into the pads, this is worked through square leg for one. 11 from the first over. The move to go to Iftikhar Ahmed has not worked.

Tossed up this time again and on off, Quinton de Kock pushes it to cover.

Around off, this is pushed to cover.

FOUR! Off the mark in style! You can't serve half volleys to one of the best batters of the tournament. He will put you away even in his sleep! Fuller and outside off, this is hammered through covers. No chance of stopping that.

Not sure what has happened to Shadab Khan, he is down on the ground and seems to be in a lot of pain. The physio is out to have a look. This is not good for Pakistan! Shadab Khan could be very useful with the ball on this surface but for now, he is struggling to get back to his feet. The good news is, he is walking off by himself but the bad news is, he is WALKING OFF!

Temba Bavuma is off the mark! Shorter and on middle, this is pushed towards mid on. They go for one. The fielder at mid on, hits the stumps at the bowler's end but the batter is in.

That holds in the surface! Flatter and on off, this one turns back in. Temba Bavuma looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

FIVE WIDES! That is the worst possible start for Pakistan! This is fired down the leg side. Temba Bavuma looks to sweep but misses and it goes down to the fine leg fence.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! There is the last wicket. This is full and outside off, Mohammad Wasim looks to hammer it through the off side but this goes off the outside edge and it is taken by the keeper. Pakistan HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 270!

BEATEN! This is full again and outside off, Mohammad Wasim looks to drive but fails to put bat on ball.

Fuller and around off, this is pushed to cover.

WIDE! Yet another extra! Not sure why Lungi Ngidi is bowling it so wide. This is almost off the pitch. Left alone. The umpires have a chat, they check whether it has pitched on the surface. They give it as a wide in the end.

WIDE! This is well wide outside off. Wided. Any kind of runs, Pakistan will take.

Yet aother dot! Fuller and outside off, Mohammad Wasim looks to push at it but it goes off the inner half back towards the bowler.

Dot to end! A top, top over from Marco Jansen! A yorker outside off, Haris Rauf looks to push at it but is beaten.

OUT! TAKEN! The last recognized batter is out of here. Mohammad Nawaz falls. This is a slower one, a well-disguised slower one. On the fuller side. Mohammad Nawaz swings, he is through the shot and ends up hitting it high up in the air. David Miller takes it at point. 300 now looks far-fetched.

Around off, this is pushed to cover.

Short and down the leg side. Mohammad Nawaz looks to pull but is beaten.

WIDE! This one is well wide outside off. Left alone.

Outside off, Mohammad Wasim guides it through point for one.

Nawaz is off the striker on the very first ball! Angled into the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

A dot to end! On middle, tossed up, defended.

SIX! What a shot that is! Wow! Shades of one of the greatest to ever step on this ground, Dhoni! The helicopter. This is fuller and on middle, Mohammad Wasim gets his front leg out of the way and whips it over the long on fence for a biggie.

Big turn and bounce there too! This lands around leg and spins back in. Mohammad Wasim looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

Shorter and outside off, Mohammad Wasim pushes it to covers.

OUT! TAKEN! Shaheen Afridi falls now! This is nicely tossed up, it lands around middle and then spins away. Shaheen Afridi goes back and looks to defend but this takes the outside edge and man at first slip takes it. Good captaincy to keep the slip in place. Shamsi has 4. He has four balls to get one more. Can he do it?

Not sure if Shaheen needs to do that. He brings out the slog sweep, this is slower, it lands on off and then spins away. Shaheen is beaten.

FOUR! Those extra balls cost Jansen here. He had gone for just two from the first five balls but ends up going for 6 from the last one. This is short and width is on offer. Mohammad Nawaz cuts it past point. No chance for anyone. Another good over for Pakistan. If Nawaz stays there till the end, 300 above looks possible.

Yet another extra! This time he over compensates. He ends up bowling it well wide outside off. Left alone.

WIDE! Bonus run! Down the leg side. Nawaz looks to flick but misses. Wided.

Yet another dot! A short one, down the leg side, Mohammad Nawaz looks to pull, it goes off the glove, lands just short of the keeper.

This is a yorker, a good one on the pads, Mohammad Nawaz looks to flick but misses to get hit on it.

Angled into the pads, Mohammad Nawaz looks to flick but misses it. Two dots in a row after a couple on the first ball.

Dots is what Pakistan do not want! Outside off, on a length, this is pushed to cover.

Cut away! Another one on the shorter side, this is flayed past point. Two more.

A single to end! The big wicket of Saud Shakeel in it but it went for runs. Outside off, this is slapped through covers for one. The good thing for Pakistn is, Mohammad Nawaz holds onto the strike.

SIX! BANG! Takes full toll of the Free Hit! That is a mighty hit! Walks across, this is full and on middle, the slog sweep is out and it sails over the mid-wicket fence. 250 up in style.

NO BALL! That is not good, just not good! South Africa just got a wicket but now Tabraiz Shamsi has overstepped. The ball though is a beauty! This is tossed up, it lands on middle and then spins away. Shaheen Afridi looks to drive but it goes off the outside edge towards short third man for one.

Just the one! Sensible batting is what is needed now! On middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket for one.

Big turn again! This is tossed up, slower and around off, Mohammad Nawaz looks to defend but is beaten. Tabraiz Shamsi is getting a lot of purchase off the surface here.

Angled into the pads, Shaheen Afridi works it through square leg for one.

Shaheen Afridi walks out to bat now.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! The well-set Saud Shakeel falls. That is the third for Tabraiz Shamsi and that is another important wicket. Saud Shakeel was playing beautifully but now has to walk back. This could well dampen the chances of Pakistan getting to 300. Shorter and around off, this lands and spins away. Saud Shakeel looks to cut but this goes off the outside edge and the keeper does the rest. South African into the bowling all-rounders.

WIDE! This is wide outside off, spins away further. Wided.

Two dots to end. So despite the biggie, just 8 from the over. Around off, this is guided to point.

This is what is not needed, got a six on the last ball now one needs to rotate strike. He though finds point as he plays it with an open face of the bat.

SIX! Over the fence. That is top stuff from Mohammad Nawaz! He can really up the ante when he needs to and that is why he is important. This shot will give him confidence. This is short and outside off, Mohammad Nawaz cuts it over point and this sails over the fence.

Another slower one around off, Mohammad Nawaz plays it to the man at point.

Finds the fielder this time! Outside off, good length, Nawaz guides it to point.

Flayed away! Good effort by Rassie van der Dussen! Fuller and outside off, this is hit wide of deep point. The fielder runs to his right. Dives and pushes it back in.

A single to end! So with no risk taken, 6 from the over! On the pads, Mohammad Nawaz works it on the leg side for one.

Turn! This lands around off and spins away. Mohammad Nawaz looks to defend but is beaten.

Just the one! On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

NOT OUT! The dive does save him! Two more! 50 for Saud Shakeel! On middle, this is yet again worked with soft hands on the leg side. They take one and go for the second. The throw is towards the keeper. It is a little wide. Quinton de Kock then throws it onto the stumps. Saud Shakeel dives to make it in. Another good knock from him in tough conditions and in tough circumstances. Needs to go on.

Run out appeal! Saud Shakeel's dive seems to have saved him there.

Two! On middle, this is nudged with soft hands on the leg side. Two taken.

Flatter and outside off, Saud Shakeel guides it to point.

Powerplay 3 time! This is the last Powerplay of this innings. A maximum of 5 fielders can be placed outside the ring till the 50th over.

On a length and on off, Nawaz defends it out.

Length ball, outside off, it is punched to cover.

Mohammad Nawaz walks out to bat.

OUT! TAKEN! The 84-runs stand is broken. This is short and on middle, got big on Khan as he looks to pull, he gets a top edge to mid-wicket where Keshav Maharaj takes a sitter. South Africa needed this wicket. Can they pull things back from hereon?

Length and on top of off. Shakeel cuts it to third man for a single.

Around off, this is pushed to covers for a single.

Length and on middle, this is tucked to mid-wicket for a single.

8 runs off this one. Outside off, shorter and Khan plays it wide of third man for two more.

Angling on the pads, Shakeel helps it to fine leg for a single.

Outside off, this is cut but to point.

Overthrow! South Africa just can't create pressure over Pakistan. Outside off, this is guided to point. Miller throws at the bowler's end, hits the stumps and it deflects away for one.

FOUR! Pakistan are able to manage a boundary at least recently. Shorter and outside off, Khan toe ends his shot but it flies over cover and to the left of mid off for four.

A slower length ball, outside off, Khan slashes and misses.

13 runs off the over. Length and on middle, Khan pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

A single as Shakeel nudges it to deep square leg.

FOUR! Make it 11! Smart from Shakeel. Length and on middle, Shakeel gets across and paddles it past short fine leg.

Length ball, outside off, Shakeel slaps it through point for two more. 7 already off the over.

QUICK SINGLE! A low full toss on middle, Khan works it to mid off and hurls to the other end. A  shy at the bowler's end but the fielder misses.

FOUR! Good shot! This is very full and on middle, Khan flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Short again from Ngidi and Shakeel leaves it alone.

Goes short and on middle, Shakeel sits under it.

Shorter and outside off, Khan knocks it through covers for a single.

Full and outside off, Khan works it to point.

200 up for Pakistan! Fuller and on middle, slower ball. Shakeel flicks it to square leg for a single.

On middle, this is hit to square leg for a single.

Lungi Ngidi comes back from the other end.

9 runs off this over. A length ball, outside off, this is chopped to point.

Outside off, Shakeel cuts but straight to point.

FOUR! Top edge but no one is there. Drops it short and on middle, Shakeel pulls, it goes off the top edge to mid-wicket. A bit intentional as Shakeel saw the field.

This is close to off. Shakeel drops it to point.

FOUR! Pakistan have picked momentum lately. Too full and on the pads. Shakeel whips it over mid-wicket and finds the fence.

Length ball, outside off, Khan dabs it to third man for a single.

Gerald Coetzee is back for another spell.

Too full and on middle, Shakeel reverse sweeps but to cover.

FOUR! Excellent shot! Clears the infield! Tossed up, outside off. Shakeel comes down the track and lofts with soft hands, just had to clear the ring over cover.

Too wide outside off and this is cut through point for a single.

On middle, Shakeel uses his feet and hits it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Tossed up on off, Shakeel works it to mid-wicket.

Flat and on off, defended out.

Full and on middle, nudged to mid-wicket for a single.

Drops it short and on middle, Khan pulls it through square leg for a single.

Tossed up on middle, Khan defends it out.

Slows it up and bowls on the pads. Khan helps it to short fine leg.

SIX! Khan is dealing in boundaries at the moment. Tossed up on middle, a googly. Khan makes room and lofts it over extra-cover for a six.

Outside off, this is cut to point for a single.

An arm ball on middle, defended out.

SIX! Short again and it is dispatched. Sloppy from Maharaj, this is on middle, Khan hangs back and pulls it over mid-wicket.

Too full and on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

Flat and on off, Shakeel nudges it to deep square leg for one more.

Outside off, Khan strokes it through covers for a single.

FOUR! SHOT! A bit short, outside off, Khan pulls in the gap to deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Drops it too short and outside off, Khan cuts it through point for a single.

A googly on off. Khan makes a solid block.

Outside off, Shakeel goes again but finds the man at deep square leg. One.

FOUR! Much needed. Tossed up on off. Shakeel slogs it over mid-wicket and into the fence.

JUST WIDE! Shorter and on middle, Khan gets low and pulls it right of square leg and evades the dive from Aiden Markram.

On the pads, Shakeel works it to square leg for a single.

Beaten! A length ball, outside off, Khan looks to defend across but misses.

A length ball, outside off, Khan cuts it through point and Rassie van der Dussen in the deep slides and keeps it down to two.

Short again, just sliding down. Khan misses his pull. Should have been wide. Ohh, now the signal comes.

The short stuff is working so well for Jansen. On middle, Khan looks to pull but misses.

On a length and on middle, Khan tucks it to mid-wicket.

Fuller and on off, Khan pushes it to mid off.

A length ball, around off, Khan drops it to cover and is sent back by Shakeel after denying a run.

Drinks! South Africa continue to dominate. Pakistan are running out of batters and will hope Saud Shakeel and Shadab Khan put on a big stand. South Africa on the other hand will be pretty pleased with how things are going. Can Pakistan still get near 250?

Another dot! Outside off, Saud cuts it but to point.

Another dot to end! Outside off, this is cut but to point.

On middle this is worked to mid on.

On middle, this is worked through square leg for one.

On off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

FOUR! NICE AND FINE! On the pads, this is tickled down to fine leg for a boundary.

Outside off, shorter, Shakeel slashes but misses.

A slower one, this is pushed to cover.

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

Shorter and outside off, Shadab slashes, it goes off the outside edge down to third man for one.

Outside off, this is guided through point for one.

Tossed up on off, defended.

On the pads, this is worked to square leg.

Was there an edge? Not sure. Azam looks to play the paddle scoop. But the ball lands on middle and turns away. Ultra Edge shows a spike as it passes thr glove. OUT! The on-field call has been overturned. Azam has to walk back shortly after getting to his half ton and that is a body blow for Pakistan. They needed him to play long. Excellent review in the end. It was more out of hope first but it results in a wicket.

Outside off, this is guided through point for one.

Floats it up on off, blocked.

Tossed up on off, defended.

FOUR! SWEPT AWAY! He plays the sweep really well. On middle, this is swept behind square and it races away. He rolled his wrists well and kept it down.

Angled into the pads, this is worked behind square on the leg side for one.

On middle, defended again.

Quite short, left alone.

Around off, this is guided to point.

Back of a length and on off, defended.

Fifty for Azam. A lot relies on him. He is the key for his side at the moment and needs to make this a big knock. Angled into the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

Fuller and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Tossed up on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

On off, kept out.

Slower and on the pads, Azam swings but it goes towards short fine leg. Only one.

Tossed up on off, this is pushed down to long on for one. No ball signaled. Free Hit coming up.

OUT! TAKEN! Shamsi strikes. He came into the side for taking wickets and he strikes. Iftikhar Ahmed steps out but is beaten in flight. He still swings but ends up hitting it high up in the air towards long on. Heinrich Klaasen takes it.

Well bowled! Goes for the slower one, outside off.  Azam tries to dab but edges and it falls just short of the diving keeper.

Two dots now. Length ball, outside off, Azam plays with an angled bat to point.

Length and on top of off. Azam blocks it out.

Outside off, this is knocked through covers for a single.

FOUR! Ahmed loves to go big against seam. Length and on middle, this is heaved to deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Length ball on middle, Ahmed tucks it to mid-wicket.

Lungi Ngidi is back into the attack. Went for 25 runs in his 3 overs.

BEAUTY! Flighted, full and outside off, it lands and spins in. Azam goes for a big drive but it goes through the gate and misses the off pole by inches.

Fuller and around off, Ahmed skips down to flick but gets a leading edge which rolls past Shamsi and to mid off.

Shorter and outside off, this is cut through point for one more.

On the pads, worked to square leg for a single.

Gives a bit of flight, outside off, this is pushed to mid off.

Flat and around off, Azam turns it to square leg for a single.

Too full and around off. Ahmed mistimes his hit back to the bowler. 7 runs of this over.

On middle, Azam uses his feet and works it to long on for one.

Flat and on middle, this is nudged to mid-wicket.

SIX! Azam releases the pressure. Keshav Maharaj bowls it short and on middle, this is pulled over to mid-wicket for a biggie.

Full and on off, Azam punches it to the right of mid off where Temba Bavuma is yet again busy.

Shorter and around off, Azam knocks it to covers and looks for a quick single. Bavuma picks and hits at the batter's end but the replay shows Azam was in. Poor communication between the batters. Could have put Azam in more trouble.

Just two runs off the over. On middle, flatter and this is tucked to square leg.

Slower through the air, this one spins around off. Azam goes back and blocks.

Too full on middle, this is clipped through square leg for a single.

Not much spin for Shamsi yet. On middle, Ahmed works it to mid-wicket.

Flat and on middle and leg, Ahmed tickles it to short fine leg.

Pushes it full and outside off, this is hit to mid off.

Tabraiz Shamsi to bowl now.

Outside off, Ahmed works it through covers and retains the strike.

Too full and on off, Azam pushes it to long off for a single.

Shorter and on middle, this is punched to long on for a single.

Flat and outside off, this is punched to cover.

Tossed up on middle, Ahmed defends on the front foot.

SIX! High and handsome. This is full and on middle, Ahmed comes down the track and launches it over to mid-wicket. Gets more height but enough distance.

Gets on top of the bounce and then guides it down to third man for one.

Another single! Angled into the pads, this is worked towards square leg for one.

Angled into the pads, this is worked towards mid-wicket for one.

Azam misses out. A full toss on off this is driven to the left of the fielder at mid off. He slides and stops it well. A run.

Goes very full this time, Azam gets his bat down in time and defends. He is bowling with fire here.

WIDE! Way too short this time, evaded. Wided.

Good length and on off, Azam looks to guide it down to third man but it goes to point.

It stays 7 from the over. On off, kept out.

7 from the over with a ball to go. On off, this is eased down to long off for one.

Another single as this is punched through covers.

Flatter and on off, this is pushed to cover.

Takes one. Good batting. On off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

FOUR! Welcome boundary! Things had gone quiet. A little too full this time, Azam whips it past mid-wicket and into the fence behind.

On off, defended.

Bangs it short, Azam gets on top of the bounce and pulls it through square leg for one.

Angled into the pads, this is worked down to fine leg for one.

Yet another dot. Outside off, Ahmed hangs back and guides it to point.

Outside off, Ahmed guides it to point.

Fuller and on off, Ahmed pushes it to covers.

Really good over from Maharaj. This what South Africa can do now, apply thr brakes. On middle, defended.

Tossed up on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

Angled into middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

On off, tossed up, kept out.

Around off, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Tossed up on middle, kept out.

End of a fiery over! Good length and on off, defended.

DRINKS! What a start this is for South Africa! They might be known for their batting, but are now producing the same effort with the ball. Marco Jansen was brilliant on top and with the wicket of Rizwan, they are all over Pakistan. Babar Azam has a big role to play. A lot of batting to come but we feel, Babar has to really step up now.

OUT! TAKEN! Off the gloves. Gerald Coetzee comes and strikes. Breaks the most vital stand. A good short one. He is really bending his back. Rizwan looks to pull, it goes off the glove and keeper takes it. Rizwan looked good till the time he was there but now has to walk back. South Africa now on top.

That is sharp, well-directed too. Short and on the body, Azam is late on the pull, it goes off the glove towards fine leg for one.

Good length and on off, this is pushed to cover.

Shorter and around off, Rizwan pushes it towards cover and takes one.

Back of a length and on off, Rizwan pushes it to covers.

Gerald Coetzee is into the attack.

A dot to end the over. Flat and on middle, Azam prods and blocks.

Tossed up on off, Rizwan strokes it to long off for a single.

This one lands on middle and skids through. Rizwan defends.

Too full and on middle, Rizwan jams it back to the bowler.

Gets it tight as Keshav Maharaj bowls it on middle, Blocked.

SIX! Rizwan is not messing around. Tossed up on off, Rizwan slog-sweeps it high over mid-wicket for a biggie.

6 runs of this one. On middle, this is worked to long on for one more.

A DOT! Flat and on off, Rizwan punches it to mid-wicket.

Shorter and outside off, Azam knocks it to long on for a single.

THREE RUNS! Played very late. Outside off, Rizwan opens the face of the bat in the last moment and plays it through third man.

Flat and outside off, Rizwan splices his defense to short third.

Full and on off, this is drilled to long on for a single.

Tossed up on off, Rizwan punches it to cover. Temba Bavuma with a good stop.

A single as Azam works this full ball to long on.

Four dots now. Fuller and on middle, Azam prods and blocks.

Full and on off, Azam defends it out.

Outside off and it skids through. Extra bounce and Azam fails to cut it away.

Tossed up on middle, Azam tucks it to square leg.

Outside off and this one spins in. Azam taps it to point for one more. 7 runs off the over.

FOUR! Just helps it away. Sliding on the pads. Azam sweeps it fine to fine leg for a boundary.

Tossed up on off, it is tucked to square leg.

Flat and outside off, Rizwan plays it past point for a single.

Quicker delivery on middle, Azam turns it to square leg for a single.

Tossed up on middle, this is bunted to mid-wicket.

An arm ball on middle, Rizwan blocks it again.

Flat and on middle, this is blocked out.

FOUR! Half-a-chance. This is full and angling on middle, Rizwan sweeps, it goes off the top edge to the left of square leg for a boundary. Difficult one for the fielder as it was going away.

South Africa have been a bit sloppy in the field. Fuller and on middle, Azam flicks it through mid-wicket who lets it through for a single.

Flatter and outside off, Azam punches it to cover.

Tossed up on middle, Azam blocks it out.

Dot to end! On middle, kept out.

FOUR! We have seen a lot of intent from Rizwan and Pakistan so far. He steps out, makes room and lifts this over cover for a boundary. Smart shot. No one in the deep, he just had to clear the ring.

Flatter and on off, kept out.

Shorter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Flatter and on off, blocked.

On middle, flatter, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Dot to end but a good over for Pakistan. On a length and around off, blocked.

FOUR! Glorious! Fuller and on off, Rizwan just leans into it and caresses it through covers. That was lovely timing.

WIDE! That is way too short and down the leg side. Wided.

Midfield and three! Just as the pressure was building. Bavuma gifts runs. On off, this is pushed to him at mid off. He lets it through, three taken in the end.

Back of a length and on off, defended.

On middle, this is flicked to mid-wicket.

On the pads, this is worked down to fine leg for one.

Quicker and on middle, Azam plays it back to the bowler. Just the two from it. Good stuff from Markram.

Around off, Azam pushes it to cover.

Flatter and on off, blocked.

Shorter and outside off, Azam chops it to point.

Uppish but wide! Tossed up on off, Rizwan drives, it goes uppishly but wide of cover and long off for one.

A full toss, this is pushed down to long on for one.

A leave to end an action packed over. Outside off, left alone.

FOUR! OFF THE TOP EDGE! Jansen bangs it short and Rizwan goes for the heave. It goes off the top edge towards third man and it results in a boundary. Rizwan gets underway in a lucky way. Some words exchanged too between him and Jansen.

DROPPED! A slower one, this one holds in the surface too. Rizwan is early in the stroke. It goes uppishly to the right of Jansen. He stretches but can't hold on. CAN THIS BE COSTLY?

Mohammad Rizwan walks out to bat!

OUT! TAKEN! JANSEN HAS ANOTHER ONE! Imam with yet another low score. This is full and outside off. Imam goes after it, he sees the width and his eyes lit up. It goes off the outside edge towards gully and Heinrich Klaasen takes it. Despite the flying start, Pakistan in a spot of bother.

Length again and on off, blocked.

That does not come on! Length and on off, Imam looks to drive but it goes off the inner half on the leg side.

FOUR! CUT AWAY! Yet again Ngidi goes short and pays for it. Short and outside off, Azam gets on top of the bounce and cuts it past point. Runs flowing despite the wicket.

Another slower one around off, Imam pushes it to cover. Already bowling slower ones. That is how the nature of the wicket is. A quick run taken too there.

Better! That is the length you want to bowl on this wicket, good length and on middle, kept out.

FOUR! That is too short. Not a length you want to be bowling here. Imam rocks back and hammers it through point. It races away.

That held in the surface. Length and on off, Imam ends up playing a check drive to cover.

WIDE! The slower one does come out right. It is well wide outside off. Imam fails to reach it. Wided.

A length ball, around off, Imam-ul-Haq blocks it out.

Length and outside off, this is punched to cover.

A length ball, outside off, Azam slashes it through mid off and Bavuma keeps it down to two.

FOUR! OFF THE MARK! This will get Azam going and Marco Jansen has overstepped again. Free-hit again. Fuller and on middle, this is whipped through mid-wicket for four. A big front-foot no ball.

A length ball, outside off, Azam plays with soft hands to the man at gully. Called a no ball as Marco Jansen has overstepped.

On a length and on off, Azam turns it to mid-wicket.

Babar Azam is the new man in.

OUT! GONE! Marco Jansen gets the first one. He uses the pitch well. Generates the extra bounce off this pitch, this is short and on middle, Shafique looks to pull, gets a bit cramped and top edges it to fine leg where Lungi Ngidi takes a simple catch.

Length and on middle, Shafique eases it to the left of short mid-wicket. Shafique wanted a quick single but is sent back wisely.

Shorter and around off, Shafique drops it to point.

Tight one from Ngidi. Short in length on middle, extra bounce and it hits Imam near the gloves as he looks to defend. 9 runs of the over. Just the kind of start Pakistan hoped for.

A sharp bouncer on middle, Imam-ul-Haq ducks under it.

Good running. This is full and on middle, Shafique taps it to mid on and calls for a quick single.

Outside off, Imam opens the face of the bat and plays it to third man for one.

Not good so far from Ngidi. Gets it too straight on the pads. Shafique flicks it through mid-wicket for three runs. Rassie van der Dussen chases it down to save one.

FOUR! THREADS IT THROUGH! Well timed there. A length ball, outside off, enough width for Shafique to punch this through covers for a boundary.

A dot to end the over. Positive start for Pakistan. Touch fuller and on middle, Imam-ul-Haq defends it out.

A length ball, outside off, Shafique tries to drive but gets a thick edge wide of point for a single.

A length ball on off. Shafique stays solid in his stance as he blocks.

FOUR BYES! Bounces over. This is short and on middle, too short as Shafique misses his pull, Quinton de Kock tries his best but it lobs over him for a boundary.

This is full and on the pads, again not much swing. Shafique fends it away on the leg side.

On middle on a length. Shafique tucks it to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Flicked away! Nice way to end the over. Length ball on the pads, Imam-ul-Haq nudges it through mid-wicket for four.

Excellent fielding. Length ball on off, Imam-ul-Haq punches it to the left of cover who makes a diving stop.

Ball coming nicely onto the bat right now. Length and outside off, this is punched to mid off.

Angles it across the left-hander. Length and outside off, Imam shoulders arms to it.

Goes full and outside off, this is driven to cover.

Runs for Pakistan! They are underway! Length ball, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq slaps it through cover-point, in the gap for a couple of runs.

Lungi Ngidi to bowl from the other end.

Ends the over with a bumper on middle, Shafique sits under it. A maiden to start the game.

Not much swing on this one, on middle, Shafique tucks it to mid on. Five dots now.

On a good length and on middle, Shafique blocks it out.

Gets it to shape away, extra bounce as well. Length ball, outside off. Shafique chases this one and misses.

Keeps it full and bowls it around off. Shafique leans and defends it to cover.

This is full and around off, hint of swing. Shafique brings a straight bat down and pushes it to mid off.

Time for action now. Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq to open for Pakistan. Marco Jansen to bowl first. Let's go...

We are all set. Shaun Pollock carries the trophy in the middle before the players from both teams walk out to the middle. It is time for the national anthems. South Africa's first followed by Pakistan's.

Temba Bavuma says he feels good. Adds they have played really well so far and they need to continue that and keep the momentum going. Adds they wanted to bat first too but he hopes the wicket won't change a lot. Informs they have made three changes.

Babar Azam says every game is important and they'll be giving their best. Adds they want to make good use of the wicket. Reckons the bowling and the fielding needs to improve and they have had a few good practice sessions. Ends by informing they have two changes.

SOUTH AFRICA (Playing XI) - Temba Bavuma (C) (In for Reeza Hendricks), Quinton de Kock (WK), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi (In for Lizaad Williams), Lungi Ngidi (In for Kagiso Rabada).

PAKISTAN (Playing XI) - Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz (In for Usama Mir), Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim (In for Hasan Ali), Haris Rauf.

TOSS - Pakistan have won the toss and will BAT first!

PITCH REPORT - The grass has been shaved and it's a very hard deck. It has not been a high-scoring venue in this World Cup and the average first innings score is 257. Sanjay Manjrekar reckons that there will be no dramatic change in the conditions and suggests that if Pakistan win the toss, they should make South Africa chase as the only game that the Proteas have lost in this edition was while chasing.

Another team that has taken everyone by surprise is Pakistan but on a negative note. Pakistan are coming into this game with a hat-trick of losses. Sitting sixth on the table, every game is a must-win for the Asian side. They need their captain, Babar Azam to lead from the front now more than ever and also, get their bowling unit to fire all cylinders. It will not be easy against South Africa who cannot do anything wrong right now but we have seen a couple of upsets already this season. Can Pakistan get the better of South Africa? We will find out soon. Toss and team news coming up. 

Hello and welcome to the 26th game of the World Cup where we see Pakistan take on high-flying South Africa. The Proteas have taken everyone by surprise in this tournament. Not with their wins but the margin of their wins. Apart from their blunder against the Netherlands, they have registered victories of more than 100 runs against Sri Lanka, Australia, England and Bangladesh. They certainly look like the most balanced team in this tournament and are the favourites to win against a depleted Pakistan side.

...MATCH DAY...

Under pressure, Pakistan face a high-flying South Africa in game no. 26 of the ICC CWC 2023. Pakistan's recent form has been disappointing, with three defeats in their last five matches. However, the team management will be hoping for a better performance in their upcoming match against South Africa. The batting department heavily relies on Mohammad Rizwan, who has been in excellent form, scoring 302 runs, including a century and a half-century. On the bowling front, Shaheen Afridi has been the standout performer, leading the bowling charts with 10 wickets. Overall, Pakistan will be looking for a collective effort from their players to improve their chances of winning against South Africa. South Africa will be looking to continue their winning momentum in their upcoming match, led by perhaps Aiden Markram yet again. They secured a comprehensive 149-run victory over Bangladesh in their previous outing, following wins over England and Bangladesh. With 8 points from five matches, South Africa currently sit in second position in the tournament and boast the best NRR. South Africa possess a strong bowling unit in this year's World Cup, with Kagiso Rabada leading the wickets chart, having taken 10 scalps. Young pacer Marco Jansen has also been performing well, with 10 wickets by his side as well. In terms of batting, South Africa have both quality and form going for them with Quinton de Kock, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen scoring the bulk of the runs. Quinton de Kock currently is the leading run-scorer for South Africa with 407 runs, including three centuries. Heinrich Klaasen has also been in good form, scoring 288 runs at a strike rate of 150.8. Overall, South Africa's management will be hoping for a collective effort from their players to secure a win and solidify their position on the table. Pakistan's captain Babar Azam will be eager to lead his team to victory against South Africa and get back to winning ways. The team will need to bring their best performance to succeed in this must-win encounter. Both teams will be looking to give it their all and come out on top in what promises to be an exciting clash.