PAK vs SA: 1st thrilling World Cup match sees South Africa edge out Pakistan by 1 wicket

Pakistan and South Africa kept fans on the edge of their seats in Match 26 of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 in Chennai.

Pakistan vs South Africa

Aiden Markram played a crucial role for South Africa, scoring 91 runs as they chased down Pakistan's 271-run target in a thrilling match during Match 26 of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, the Proteas managed to secure a nail-biting 1-wicket victory in the 47.2nd over, with Keshav Maharaj holding his nerve till the end at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

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This captivating contest had spectators on the edge of their seats and, at one point, it seemed like Pakistan had secured the win, but it was the Proteas who now sit atop the table with 10 points and a superior Net Run Rate (NRR). Notably, this marks the first time in World Cup history that Pakistan has suffered four consecutive losses.

South Africa made a strong start, with Quinton de Kock hitting four boundaries in Shaheen Shah Afridi's opening over, but he was dismissed while attempting a six in the second over. Skipper Temba Bavuma, unusually aggressive, was the next to fall after scoring 28 off 27 balls.

Markram and Rassie van der Dussen then forged a threatening partnership, but in his very first over, Usama Mir, the concussion substitute for Shadab Khan – who was struck on the head while fielding – claimed the wicket of van der Dussen. Heinrich Klaasen (12) was also dismissed shortly after, while David Miller contributed 29 runs.

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Marco Jansen (20), Gerald Coetzee (10), and Lungi Ngidi (4) made valiant efforts to tip the game in their favour, but the outcome remained uncertain until the very end. Commentators even speculated that it might lead to a Super Over had the Proteas not managed to chase the total within the remaining balls.

Earlier in the match, Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, won the toss and chose to bat first. Marco Jansen made early inroads into Pakistan's batting lineup by removing both openers. Babar and Mohammad Rizwan then built a promising partnership until Gerald Coetzee dismissed Rizwan in the 16th over. Pakistan subsequently lost Iftikhar Ahmed, and Babar fell while attempting a scoop shot off Shamsi just after reaching his half-century.

However, Shadab Khan and Saud Shakeel reinvigorated Pakistan with a counter-attacking partnership. The duo added 84 runs in 71 balls before Shadab was dismissed for 43 off 36 deliveries. Shakeel continued to make a vital contribution and reached a half-century before eventually departing after scoring 52 off as many balls. Pakistan was eventually bowled out for a total of 270.

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