Pakistan

Pakistan wins first-ever ODI series against Proteas

Victory was set up by a superb 102 from Ahmed Shehzad in a match reduced to 45 overs per side after early rain.

Reuters November 28, 2013

Pakistan players celebrate after South African opener Graeme Smith goes back to pavilion following his dismissal by Junaid Khan. PHOTO: AFP

PORT ELIZABETH:

Pakistan for the first time won a bilateral one-day series against South Africa as they claimed a one-run victory in a thrilling match in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday. Pakistan now lead the three-match series 2-0 with one match to play.

The victory was set up by a superb 102 from Ahmed Shehzad in a match reduced to 45 overs per side after early rain. South Africa looked to have paced their chase well. Captain AB de Villiers smashed a whirlwind 74 from 45 balls and opener Hashim Amla fell two runs short of his century in the last ball of the penultimate over.

But needing nine off the final over to win with five wickets remaining, the impressive Junaid Khan bowled a number of yorkers that the SA batsmen could not get off the square. The home side needed a six off the last ball but Khan’s legside delivery flicked the pads of David Miller and raced to the fine leg boundary for a four as South Africa ended their innings on 261 for six.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 28^th, 2013.