Published: Jan 20, 2019, 01:28 AM (IST)
Edited: Jan 20, 2019, 01:28 AM (IST)
Senior campaigner Mohammad Hafeez helped his nerves to guide Pakistan to victory in their first one-day against South Africa on Saturday. Hafeez struck two sixes and eight fours in his 71 from just 63 balls to help Pakistan register a win. Imam ul Haq hit 86 off 101 balls while Babar Azam also chipped in 49 runs. This was Pakistan’s highest run-chase against South Africa in South Africa.
Earlier, Hashim Amla hit his 27th one-day international century as South Africa made 266 for two in the first of five matches against Pakistan at St George’s Park on Saturday. Amla (108 not out) shared a second-wicket partnership of 155 with debutant Rassie van der Dussen (93) but the pair were unable to dominate against steady bowling on a slow pitch.
“It was a tough wicket,” Amla told SuperSport television as he left the field at the end of the innings. “You have to bide your time. I think it’s a good total.”
Although Pakistan were only able to claim two wickets, they bowled well on a windy day, with captain Sarfraz Ahmed juggling his bowlers in short spells. Scoring was slow during the middle overs with seamer Hasan Ali and leg-spinner Shadab Khan bowling particularly well. They took one for 42 and one for 41 respectively in their ten overs.
Amla and Reeza Hendricks (45) put on 82 off 105 balls for the first wicket before Van der Dussen made a slow start in his first one-day international, taking ten balls to score his first run. But the scoring rate picked up and Van der Dussen hit six fours and three sixes in a 101-ball innings. Amla made his runs off 120 balls with seven fours and a six.
