Anwar Ali was named man-of-the-match for taking three wickets and scoring a 74-run partnership with Bilawal Bhatti as Pakistan won the first ODI by 23 runs against South Africa. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan claimed their first victory in a One-Day International (ODI) at Cape Town on Monday, with the win being crafted by the two debutants Anwar Ali and Bilawal Bhatti.
The duo excelled with an all-round show to set up a 23-run win in the first ODI, giving a 1-0 lead to the visitors in the three-match series. Pakistan had lost all the previous six matches at the Newlands.
However, after yet another disastrous top-order performance, Pakistan needed debutants Anwar and Bhatti to rescue the side with a 74-run partnership for the eighth wicket, which helped Pakistan post a competitive target of 219.
Nasir Jamshed (24) and Ahmed Shahzad (35) gave a relatively better opening stand of 49 before Dale Steyn came back to devastating effect. Steyn, after removing Jamshed, dismissed Mohammad Hafeez (5) yet again to turn things in favour of South Africa.
Experienced Jacques Kallis, returning to one-day after February 2012, was also on fire, getting the wickets of promising Sohaib Maqsood (22) and Shahzad. Three more wickets in quick successions – Misbahul Haq (13), Umar Akmal (0) and Shahid Afridi – left Pakistan reeling at 131 for seven.
However, the debutants defied the Proteas’ strong bowling attack with confidence to help post a challenging total. Anwar remained unbeaten at 43 from 55 deliveries, scoring six boundaries, while Bhatti was impressive with his knock of 39 from 25 balls, which included three fours and two sixes.
Steyn was the pick of the bowlers with figures of three for 33 while Morne Morkel was also inspiring with three for 39.
Hashim Amla’s (3) early wicket off Junaid Khan set the momentum for the touring team. Kallis shined with the bat too, scoring 50 from 71 before being bowled by Anwar, who ended up with figures of two for 24 to seal his man of the match title.
Jean-Paul Duminy’s 49 defied the visitors for a while, however Pakistan was not ready to give up the game as they dismissed the home team for 195 in 48.1 overs.
Bhatti finished with three for 37 from 7.1 overs and Saeed Ajmal snapped up two wickets, while Afridi, Hafeez and Junaid took a wicket each.
Delighted with debutants’ performance: Misbah
After their recent drubbing in the UAE, captain Misbah was delighted with the performance of Bhatti and Anwar as he set his sights on revenge.
“The two youngsters helped us fight back after we lost early wickets,” said Misbah. “I am happy with the victory as we now have a chance to win the series.”
Meanwhile, Anwar said he was just playing his natural game.
“Our plan was to play full 50 overs,” he said. “I have a good experience of playing with Bilawal in domestic cricket.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 25th, 2013.
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COMMENTS (24)
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Hafeez and Afridi should now bat at number 8 and 9 after Bilawal Bhatti and Anwar Ali. I think they still deserve to be in the team as bowlers but not as top order batsman. Batting order should be like this 1. Ahmed Shahzad 2. Nasir 3. Shoiab Maqsood 4. Umar Akmal 5. Misbah 6. Bilawal 7. Anwar Ali 8. Hafeez 9. Afridi 10. Saeed Ajmal 11. Junaid
@True Indian: LOL. You showed you ignorance with your comment. First of all these are 2 matches played on 2 different pitches. Secondly you have to see over all record of teams to compare them ! Also, very good performance by Pak. I wish they continue with the new finds- giving them lot of chances and flush out oldies who have got more that enough number of chances by now!
@strings8: I would have love to see your comments on his 37 ball hundred as youngster., as compare to two debutant performance Even in this match the commentators from SA termed him as best bowler in the world along with Saeed in short form of the game.
He has clarified on several occasions that he is a a bowling al-rounder. Does not he deserve to play as bowler in Pakistan side and chip in few runs occasionally. He has been kept out of Pakistan side many a time but he got back is place by dedication and hard-work.
As for his past performance is concerned who can forget his 144 against India in a test match. His number of wicket, runs scored and matches played speaks for themselves. His recent form with the ball alone is enough to get hem a place in T20 and ODIs.
A Peshawary
Great performance by the youngsters. but they are needed to be consistent. It is a usual issue with Pakistan cricket that numerous cricketers have started their careers like this but were unable to capitalize on their initial bursts. We have examples of Muhammad Waseem, Saleem Ilahi, Basit Ali, Shahid Nazir, Ali Naqvi, Yasir Hameed etc. etc.
Hopefully, Sohaib would be next Inzamam-ul-Haq, Anwer Ali would be next Abdul Razzaq and Bilawal Bhatti would be next Wasim Akram.
@Effy: Afridi, Hafeez and Saeed contributed a lot to get this win. They pulled back SA run rate to manageable level and got crucial wickets as well. Perhaps; experts like you and on the panel of GEO news wants Pakistani team to win without spin bowlers.
These three are among top ranked bowlers of the world both in T20 and ODI ranking. Do you them want to not play as bowler for Pakistan.
As for Misbah is concerned the team got first win after six losses on this ground under his captaincy; Is it a bad achievement? Please be reasonable.
A Peshawary
Dear Team Pakistan Win next ODI to create a history .... Thank you
Imran khan proven right yet again when he bashed Najam Sethi for saying there is no talent in domestic circuit. Sethi needs to sacked because here is the talent for you, Sohaib, Bhatti and Anwar Ali. But how can you see that until you dont give them a chance and keep playing players like Hafeez, Malik, Jamshed, Afridi and Misbah. Sharjeel Khan is the best opener in Pakistan but never given a chance.
Najam Sethi will not be happy.... it seems he is on mission to harm Pak cricket.
Few days ago I heard from him that youngsters can't perform, in his "drama talk show". Where is his idea now?
Good performance by Hafeez. Scoring 5 runs means he can play rest of the series. Well done professor.
State of Lala,
He cannot see ball clearly, He saves himself if the catch is shot at him He cannot run to save four , nor can dive
@strings8: Who will watch Cricket without LaLa ??????
India couldn't defend 288 against vs WI and PAK defend 218 against vs SA, no doubt Pakistan team is much much better than India.
misbah is always hesitant to give yougsters a chance, take an example of sohaib, when we had literally no option left in the series, he picked sohaib - misbah may be mature but TOO defensive, he should now understand, experience is not the only thing required for perform against quality sides, all yougsters performed maqsood, anwar and bilawal.
@strings8: you hit the nail on the head. Time for Afirid to go respectfully.
It was the perfect case for a combined man-of-the-match for the debutant duo as Bilawal played equally important role in changing the fate of the match. From judges perspective, Anwar Ali would have been a tad better with 2 quality wickets he took. Anyways, great start by both of them: they showed talent, great attitude, and a desire to win. Hopefully they will be a great addition to the international cricket.
Been a while that only debutantes perform match winning performances where as "experienced" players leave no stone un-turned to cause embarrassment for everyone.
Shahid Afridi said," I am the best all rounder of the country"... I guess Mr Afridi that was just a comment from a selfish senior player who doesn't want to give space to young talent.... Bilawal Bhatii showed temperament that Afridi still doesn't have... time to get rid of Afridi, Razaq and Shoaib Malik as they won't retire with dignity...... Boom Boom Anwar Ali and Bilawal Bhatti!!
Pakistan Team needs to get steady in their performance. These kind of miracle wins are not going to help us. We need more consistency in our batting line.
Great job new boys
Not the perfect performance, but still well done team Pakistan, bowling attack really proved its mettle today A team of big names: Amla, Smith, De Villiers, Kallis, Steyn, Morkel beaten by a team with basically only one player of high calibre: Ajmal. And that too in SA !
ansar ali took two wickets
Two great finds for Pakistan...Bhatti n Anwar. Great job boys. Keep it up!