Pakistan have kept their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup 2019 semi-finals alive after registering an emphatic 49-run win over South Africa at Lord’s on Sunday. The Proteas, on the other side, now have ruled out of the tournament after suffering fifth loss in seven matches.
Chasing 309 to win, South Africa were restricted to 259 for 9 in 50 overs with leg-spinner Shadab Khan and Wahab Riaz picking up 3 wickets each while Mohammad Amir contributed with 2 wickets. Shaheen Shah Afridi also got a wicket.
Pakistan can still make into the final four but for that, they need to win their remaining three matches and then hope for some of the other results to go in their favour to stay alive in the competition.
Pakistan will face New Zealand, Afghanistan and Bangladesh in their remaining matches while South Africa have Sri Lanka and Australia remaining in their roster before they return home after a disappointing campaign.
Electing to bat first, Pakistan posted 308 for 7 against the Proteas after a swashbuckling 59-ball 89 by the recalled Haris Sohail in a late flurry.
Haris, who was brought back in place of Shoaib Malik, added key partnerships of 81 with Babar Azam (69) and 71 with Imad Wasim (23).
Brief Scores: Pakistan 308/7 in 50 overs (Haris Sohail 89, Babar Azam 69; Lungi Ngidi 3-64) beat South Africa 259/9 in 50 overs (Faf du Plessis 63, Quinton de Kock 47, Andile Phehlukwayo 46 not out; Wahab Riaz 3-46, Shadab Khan 3-50) by 49 runs.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Excellent performance Pakistan! The bowlers backed up Haris Sohail's brilliant batting effort. Hope the momentum will be sustained in the games ahead. BUT the fielding must improve so many dropped catches, can't be excused at all! #WeHaveWeWill
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) June 23, 2019
Great job by the Pakistani bowlers, SA having a painful tournament nothing going there way. As I said to chase 300+ they required a team effort but an odd 50 won't get you there.#CWC19 #PAKvSA
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) June 23, 2019
Good bye South Africa. A side which has looked clueless AF. Pity they couldn't sort their woes in time.
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) June 23, 2019
It really has been difficult to watch. I try and consider the plans and thoughts but I’m baffled. #SouthAfrica #CWC19
— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) June 23, 2019
Pakistan stays alive…but only just. Even after this win, they’re nowhere close to getting into the top four. Must beat NZ and Bangladesh to compensate for the big losses vs WI and Ind. #CWC19 #SAvPak
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) June 23, 2019
