South Africa struggled for momentum during their innings and were restricted to 197 pn a sluggish track before Yousuf and Malik rode on a flying start provided by Afridi to guide Pakistan home. Yousuf, in particular, played risk-free cricket, nudging and driving the ball around, content on picking singles as he dropped anchor. South Africa couldn't remove him nor Malik and as a result Pakistan have sealed a convincing six-wicket win. It helped that Pakistan had the spin bowlers, led by Afridi, who never allowed SA to get away. SA had only the offspinner Botha, who was unimpressive, sticking to a round-the-wicket line, and they could not break through.
Smith: "If we had got 220-230 it would have been very competitive. Their spinners bowled well. The wicket got slower and slower and it made strokeplay difficult. We lost too many wickets after the second drinks break."
Man of the match: No surprise. It's Shahid Afridi. "I really enjoyed my performance. The fast bowlers did a very good job ... I was keen to bat as an opener."
Malik : "The way the boys are playing is superb. EVeryone is young and they have put up lot of hard work to improve the fielding. To win ... its key to remember your good performances."
That's it from me, Sriram Veera. Alvida!
END OF OVER:48 | 11 Runs | PAK: 196/4 (2 runs required from 12 balls, RR: 4.08, RRR: 1.00)
- Mohammad Yousuf58 (113b)
- Misbah-ul-Haq23 (31b)
- Johan Botha10-0-50-0
- Albie Morkel9-2-24-2
All men inside the circle
Yousuf changes his gloves.
END OF OVER:47 | 6 Runs | PAK: 185/4 (13 runs required from 18 balls, RR: 3.93, RRR: 4.33)
- Mohammad Yousuf56 (110b)
- Misbah-ul-Haq18 (28b)
- Albie Morkel9-2-24-2
- Johan Botha9-0-39-0
END OF OVER:46 | 4 Runs | PAK: 179/4 (19 runs required from 24 balls, RR: 3.89, RRR: 4.75)
- Misbah-ul-Haq13 (23b)
- Mohammad Yousuf55 (109b)
- Johan Botha9-0-39-0
- Jacques Kallis8-1-30-0