SA beat Pakistan in final ODI by 4 wickets; lose series 1-2
South Africa won the final one-day international by four wickets to restore some pride Saturday after losing its first series to Pakistan.South Africa’s victory at SuperSport Park avoided an historic first whitewash in an ODI series at home. Pakistan still leaves with its first ever series win over South Africa.
Captain AB de Villiers finished 48 not out of 63 balls in South Africa’s 181-6 as the Proteas successfully overhauled Pakistan’s 179 all out with more than 11 overs to spare. Opener Hashim Amla scored 41 of 48 balls .
Earlier, South Africa’s seamers ran through Pakistan to dismiss the tourists for 179 in 46.5 overs. Vernon Philander took 3-26 to lead South Africa’s pace attack while skipper Misbah-ul-Haq’s 79 not out of 107 balls was the only significant contribution by Pakistan’s batsmen.Philander, recently recalled to the one-day side after starring for the South African Test team, struck with the fourth ball of the match when Ahmed Shehzad was caught at first slip without scoring.
Shehzad made a century when Pakistan clinched the series by winning the second match in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday.Fellow new ball bowler lonwabo Tsotsobe had Asad Shafiq caught behind in the fourth over and Pakistan were unable to build any significant partnerships against hostile bowling on a pitch which offered good bounce.
With the series decided, both sides showed several changes.Jacques Kallis and Dale Steyn, both with minor injuries, were rested from the South African team, while Graeme Smith was absent because of a family bereavement.Pakistan made four changes. Mohammad Hafeez and Junaid Khan were injured, according to captain Misbah-ul-Haq, while Shahid Afridi and Nasir Jamshed were rested. The new players were Umar Amin, Asad Shafiq, Sohail Tanvir and Abdur Rehman.
Brief Scores
Pak: 179 (Misbah 79; Philander 3/26, Mclaren 2/28) lost to SA: 181/6 (de Villiers 48 no, Amla 41; Ajmal 2/34) by 4 wickets.