South Africa needed just 65 minutes and 14 overs as they demolished Pakistan by 10 wickets in the fourth MTN one-day international at Newlands on Sunday.
After winning the toss and sending Pakistan in to bat in cool, overcast conditions, the Proteas put on a superb bowling display to bowl Pakistan out for the paltry total of 107 in the 46th over of the innings. Only the Pakistan captain, Inzamam Ul-Haq, showed any resistance, with an undefeated 45.
Mohammad Yousuf (21) and Shoaib Malik (19) were the only other Pakistan batsmen to reach double figures, and three failed to score at all.
Shaun Pollock had the best bowling figures, taking two for 13 in his 10 overs, but all the South African bowlers had figures of which to be proud. Andrew Hall and Justin Kemp also took two wickets each, and every bowler finished with at least one wicket.
It was a clinical performance by the Proteas, and their fielding was breathtaking. Mark Boucher took six catches to equal the world record held by Adam Gilchrist of Australia, Ridley Jacobs of the West Indies and Alec Stewart of England.
Pakistan managed only nine boundaries in their innings, and even ones and twos proved hard to come by. In the first 10 overs, Pakistan managed only eight runs, and although the run rate accelerated in the second 10 overs, they never managed to get it above two an over.
By contrast, South Africa’s first 50 took just 37 minutes and 51 deliveries, and their hundred came up in exactly an hour, off 81 balls, including 12 fours and two sixes. Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers set about their task with a will and although the South African innings did not last long, the capacity crowd had plenty to cheer about, and the scene was awash with South African flags.
Smith reached his half-century first, off 43 balls, including six boundaries and a six. De Villiers reached his 50 off the next ball. He had faced 40 balls. Smith finished the match off with a massive six and South Africa beat Pakistan by 10 wickets.
In reply to a question, Smith said South Africa’s performance had been close to perfect.. ”But we said that after the first match in Centurion, and then we let ourselves down in Durban. But I think today, the way the bowlers bowled was incredible. Our lines and lengths were brilliant.
”The ball probably did a bit in the first 10 overs or so, but after that, it was the incredible pressure we created. The fielders fielded well around the bowlers and, at the end of the day, the bowlers set the tone for the fielders. I don’t think you can ask for more from them. And, obviously, winning by 10 wickets is very, very good.”
Pollock, who was named man of the match, said there was definitely something in the pitch for the bowlers.
”And having got two early wickets and a cheap run out, they couldn’t afford to play with any freedom. All the guys kept applying the pressure, and it was a superb team effort. Any time you get a team out for 108 is a top-tenner,” he said.
Smith praised the Newlands ground staff for the effort they had put in to produce a very good pitch, particularly after the criticism they received for the condition of the pitch during the Test series.
He said there were not likely to be major changes to the team for the final match at the Wanderers on Wednesday.
”It’s a very important game,” he said. ”We are looking forward to it. The Wanderers is always an incredible place to play. There should be a good crowd, and the bowlers enjoy bowling there, and the batters enjoy batting there. So hopefully we can put another good performance in and round off what has been a very good summer for us.”
Inzamam was understandably very disappointed by Pakistan’s performance.
”I think the wicket was easier in the afternoon, but we put on a poor batting performance,” he said. ”I thought it was a 230, 240 wicket. But there is still one match to go, and we hope to put on a better performance in Johannesburg.” — Sapa