ICC Champions Trophy 2017: Pakistan get lucky after stunning bowling performance, beat South Africa by 19 runs (DLS method)

Pakistan made a miraculous comeback in ICC Champions Trophy 2017 as their bowling department have them an edge in a rain-interrupted match

By: Arun Rawal |
June 8, 2017 2:28 am

Tags: ICC Champions Trophy 2017, Pakistan,

Pakistan get a taste of victory as they stunned South Africa by beating them by 19 runs (DLS method) and registering their first victory in ICC Champions Trophy 2017. As rain once again played spoilsport in a high-voltage low scoring affair at Edgbaston, Birmingham, it was the ‘Rain Gods’ who had their final say as Pakistan batting lineup somehow managed to stay ahead of the DLS par score at the 27-over mark.

In reply to South Africa’s 219, Pakistan openers Azhar Ali and Fakhar Zaman came to bat. Zaman played a crucial knock of 31 from 23 balls up the order which kept the run rate high. But Morne Morkel got South Africa back in the game by taking the wickets of the two followed by Mohammad Hafeez.

But, Babar Azam stood his ground and kept the wickets intact playing Morkel cautiously. But unlike him veteran Shoaib Malik knew that rain might play spoilsport anytime soon with clouds hovering over Edgbaston. His late blows off Morkel were the reason and the difference between Pakistan and South Africa.

Earlier, Pakistan bowling was on fire straight away as they removed in-form South African opener Hashim Amla early on in the innings. Quinton de Kock too got out after getting a good start. AB de Villiers recorded his first ever golden duck and made a record in ODIs.

Pakistan shock South Africa at Edgbaston, coming out victors by 19 runs (DLS Method), reaching 119/3 in 27 overs before rain #PAKvSA #CT17 pic.twitter.com/w09UFvh2g8

— ICC (@ICC) June 7, 2017

But, it was Hasan Ali who took the cake with his splendid bowling performance and taking the wickets of Faf du Plessis, Jean-Paul Duminy and then Wayne Parnell whom he bamboozled with a near-magical swing delivery.

It was David Miller who took it upon himself to take South Africa to a respectable score and not get bundled out inside 50 overs. He got help from Chris Morris and Kagiso Rabada down the order but could not score at a brisk rate in death overs. Miller scored 75 from 104 balls including 1 four and 3 sixes.

Brief Scores:

Pakistan 119 for 3 in 27 overs (Fakhar Zaman 31, Babar Azam 31*; Morne Morkel 3 for 18) beat South Africa 219 for 8 in 50 overs (David Miller 75, Chris Morris 28; Hasan Ali 3 for 24, Imad Wasim 2 for 20) by 19 runs (DLS method)

Man of the Match: Hasan Ali