Bowlers set up convincing six-wicket win for Pakistan
Asad, Wahab shine in warm-up victory over South Africa.
South Africa were tottering at 83 for seven with Asad and Wahab causing the most damage. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan got some much-needed batting practice ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy but their six-wicket win in the warm-up match against South Africa was set up by their bowlers, according to information on ESPNcricinfo.
Pacemen Asad Ali and Wahab Riaz claimed three for 30 apiece, while Junaid Khan chipped in with two wickets as South Africa posted 202 for nine before Pakistan chased down the target in the 46th over at the Kennington Oval, London.
There were still a few kinks to be sorted, however, with Pakistan letting South Africa off the hook after reducing the side to 83 for seven in the 22nd over.
Junaid Khan dismissed the ever-dependable Hashim Amla for nought before a run-out and Asad’s two scalps left South Africa reeling at 48 for four. Wahab then got the dangerous Faf du Plessis, Farhaan Behardien and David Miller as Pakistan tightened the grip.
But South Africa would not cave without a fight as a 94-run eighth-wicket partnership between JP Duminy and tail-ender Ryan McLaren frustrated Pakistan. South Africa managed to go past the 200-run mark with McLaren registering a half-century and giving his side something to bowl at.
If there were doubts over Pakistan’s ability, they were soon put to rest with Nasir Jamshed and Imran Farhat giving their side a flying start. Jamshed’s dismissal did not slow down the scoring rate as Mohammad Hafeez continued the momentum before he retired out for 54.
Farhat made 56 before being dismissed, while Asad Shafiq rued missing out on an opportunity to contribute substantially, falling for 17. Umar Amin and Misbahul Haq carried the team home with the captain hitting a six to end the match.
The win gives Pakistan a confidence boost after they started off the UK tour with less-than-convincing wins against Scotland and Ireland. Their first warm-up match against Sri Lanka was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
Pakistan play their opening match of the Champions Trophy on June 7 against the West Indies.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 4th, 2013.
Pacemen Asad Ali and Wahab Riaz claimed three for 30 apiece, while Junaid Khan chipped in with two wickets as South Africa posted 202 for nine before Pakistan chased down the target in the 46th over at the Kennington Oval, London.
There were still a few kinks to be sorted, however, with Pakistan letting South Africa off the hook after reducing the side to 83 for seven in the 22nd over.
Junaid Khan dismissed the ever-dependable Hashim Amla for nought before a run-out and Asad’s two scalps left South Africa reeling at 48 for four. Wahab then got the dangerous Faf du Plessis, Farhaan Behardien and David Miller as Pakistan tightened the grip.
But South Africa would not cave without a fight as a 94-run eighth-wicket partnership between JP Duminy and tail-ender Ryan McLaren frustrated Pakistan. South Africa managed to go past the 200-run mark with McLaren registering a half-century and giving his side something to bowl at.
If there were doubts over Pakistan’s ability, they were soon put to rest with Nasir Jamshed and Imran Farhat giving their side a flying start. Jamshed’s dismissal did not slow down the scoring rate as Mohammad Hafeez continued the momentum before he retired out for 54.
Farhat made 56 before being dismissed, while Asad Shafiq rued missing out on an opportunity to contribute substantially, falling for 17. Umar Amin and Misbahul Haq carried the team home with the captain hitting a six to end the match.
The win gives Pakistan a confidence boost after they started off the UK tour with less-than-convincing wins against Scotland and Ireland. Their first warm-up match against Sri Lanka was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
Pakistan play their opening match of the Champions Trophy on June 7 against the West Indies.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 4th, 2013.