Shadab Khan's all-round heroics keep Pakistan's semi-final hopes alive
He followed up a 22-ball 52 with two crucial wickets as Pakistan came back from behind to down South Africa in a rain-hit contest
He followed up a 22-ball 52 with two crucial wickets as Pakistan came back from behind to down South Africa in a rain-hit contest
Scorer: M Venkat Raghav | Commentator: @alanroderick
11.20pm: Time for the captains, starting with Temba Bavuma: [Pakistan recovery from 43-4] "Definitely disappointing the way we ended our bowling and fielding. Getting them four down early. We have questions to ask and need to come up with solutions. Credit to them, they had the momentum and took it with them through the bowling innings. We knew the weather could be an issue. The bowlers practice these things, but its difficult. We probably didn't adapt quick enough, and we could have tried to use the bigger side more. Not an excuse, but they're things we'll speak about. Netherlands next, a big game. Want to put this game past us as quickly as possible and come again."
Pakistan captain Babar Azam: "Very happy the way the team performed. Me and Rizwan were not up to the mark, but the way Haris played, he's a different player and shifted the momentum. Then Shadab and Ifti were outstanding in finishing the innings. [Best XI now?] These are out best players and everyone is ready to play. Everyone is a match-winner. First two matches were close losses, but we've given 100% in the last two matches and you never know, cricket is a funny game, we hope for the best."
So Pakistan are up to third in Group 2, clinging to the coattails of South Africa, who lose their record as the last unbeaten team in the tournament. There's one round of games left, and four sides still hoping to progress - a similar equation to that in Group 1, where the focus will return tomorrow, with New Zealand facing Ireland and Australia looking to keep their defence alive against Afghanistan. For tonight, from Chacha Alan and Badmash PDP, not to mention Raghav bhai, that's a wrap. Cheerio!
11.15pm: Fittingly, Shadab has the ball in hand as a strong Pakistan-supporting crowd rises to acknowledge their team's second win of the tournament. They'll need a favour from somewhere - either Netherlands, Zimbabwe or the weather - but know that there's still a potential path to the semis if they can beat Bangladesh in their last outing
Shadab Khan is Player of the Match for his 22-ball 52 and cheap two-for: [Ever timed the ball better?] "I've done it in the PSL, but this is an international match and a World Cup match, so it's the best. The pitch was nice, a bit slow but the ball came on nicely. [Bowling] First ball, I tried to bowl on the stumps, bowled slow and it gripped a bit. Paid off. [Bat higher up?] I like it, depends on the situation and the team."
Asim: "I know my comment never gets posted but wanted to remind everyone this World Cup has given us giant killings are we in store for one more giant killing." But will it be Afghanistan vs Australia, Zimbabwe vs India, or Netherlands vs SA...?
Shamsi is the last man in
A Nortje c Mohammad Haris b Haris Rauf 1 (8m 5b 0x4 0x6) SR: 20.00
K Rabada run out 1 (11m 2b 0x4 0x6) SR: 50.00
"Hey there! Really need to know this! Who would make it to the semis if both Pak and SA finish on 6 points? Which would be the first tie breaker: net runrate, head to head record or the most number of wins? Pleeeeeeaaassssseeeee tell :,)" Believe it's number of wins first, Virat
Haris Rauf to close out
South Africa's captain refuses to blame slippery conditions for their fielding errors
The attack-first mindset that drove Pakistan's recovery from 43 for 4 was thrilling to witness, but it left the feeling of what could have been
He followed up a 22-ball 52 with two crucial wickets as Pakistan came back from behind to down South Africa in a rain-hit contest
India and South Africa appear best placed at the moment, but there's still room for all that to change
Mohammad Haris named as replacement after Fakhar aggravated previous injury against Netherlands
First Round Group A | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Team | M | W | L | PT | NRR |
SL | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 0.667 |
NED | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -0.162 |
NAM | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0.73 |
UAE | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -1.235 |
First Round Group B | |||||
Team | M | W | L | PT | NRR |
ZIM | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 0.2 |
IRE | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 0.105 |
SCOT | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0.304 |
WI | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -0.563 |
Group 1 | |||||
Team | M | W | L | PT | NRR |
NZ | 5 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 2.113 |
ENG | 5 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 0.473 |
AUS | 5 | 3 | 1 | 7 | -0.173 |
SL | 5 | 2 | 3 | 4 | -0.422 |
IRE | 5 | 1 | 3 | 3 | -1.615 |
AFG | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | -0.571 |
Group 2 | |||||
Team | M | W | L | PT | NRR |
IND | 5 | 4 | 1 | 8 | 1.319 |
PAK | 5 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 1.028 |
SA | 5 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 0.874 |
NED | 5 | 2 | 3 | 4 | -0.849 |
BAN | 5 | 2 | 3 | 4 | -1.176 |
ZIM | 5 | 1 | 3 | 3 | -1.138 |