adminSHARJAH. — South Africa staged a remarkable comeback to turn what seemed certain defeat into a one-run win over Pakistan in the first day-night international in Sharjah on Wednesday night. Pakistan, chasing a modest 184 to win, were cruising along nicely at 165-4 but lost their last six wickets for just 17 runs off 39 balls to be bowled out for 182 in 46.3 overs.
It looked all over with Umar Amin (20) and Umar Akmal (18) at the crease but legspinner Imran Tahir (3-45) dismissed Umar, Shahid Afridi (nine) and Wahab Riaz (zero) in succsessive overs to leave Pakistan struggling for the last seven runs.
Last man Mohammad Irfan and Saeed Ajmal added five runs before Morne Morkel (2-23) bowled Irfan to send his team into an unexpected but frenzied celebration, much to the dismay of the 15 000 crowd who came to see Pakistan win.
It was man-of-the-match Wayne Parnell who starred with both bat and ball, hitting a career best 56 before taking 3-41 in his eight overs.
South African captain AB de Villiers said his team had the belief of turning the tables
“South Africans always believe we can turn things around. When you get a sniff you have to drive it home,” said De Villiers.
His Pakistan counterpart Misbah-ul Haq was disappointed at losing when victory seemed certain.
“We could not handle the pressure, some relaxed shots that cost us the match,” he said.
“Our focus should be to be there till the last run is scored, the batting spoiled the party. We have to forget this game and improve for the next one.” For Pakistan offspinner Ajmal (4-30) was well supported by legspinner Afridi (3-37) as South Africa were bowled out in the final over.
The win gives South Africa a 1-0 lead in the five-match series with the second match in Dubai today.
Pakistan lost opener Nasir Jamshed (nought) early but Shehzad (58) and Mohammad Hafeez (28) shared a 71-run stand for the second wicket to stabilise the run-chase. — AFP.
Online Reporter