T20 World Cup 2022, SA vs PAK: Shadab Khan masterclass keeps Pakistan alive in the tournament

Shadab Khan celebrating a wicket [Source: AP]

The 36th match of the ongoing T20 World Cup witnessed Pakistan annihilate South Africa by 33 runs (DLS) in Sydney. Babar Azam and co keep their semifinal qualification hopes alive with this stunning victory. 

Iftikhar and Shadab power Pakistan to a mammoth total

After opting to bat first, Pakistan had a disastrous start to their innings, losing Mohammad Rizwan in the fourth ball. But youngster Mohammad Haris counterattacked to perfection, playing a quick-fire cameo of 28 runs. 

However, Pakistan soon found themselves down on the mat, as Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje removed Haris, Babar Azam and Shan Masood in quick succession. 

Iftikhar and Shadab played brilliant knocks [Source: AP]

But experienced Iftikhar Ahmed again stood firm and executed a commendable rescue act, adding 52 and 82 runs with Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan, respectively. 

While Iftikhar slammed a scintillating 35-ball 51, Shadab hammered three fours and four gigantic sixes for his game-changing 22-ball 52. Their heroic efforts were instrumental in propelling Pakistan to a substantial 185 at the end of 20 overs. 

Although Anrich Nortje scalped four wickets, he went for 41 runs in his four overs. 

South Africa crumble as Shaheen runs riot

Chasing 186, the Proteas lost their two mainstays, Quinton de Kock and Rilee Rossouw, to Shaheen Afridi cheaply. However, skipper Temba Bavuma fired for the very first time, smashing a fabulous 19-ball 36. 

Shaheen Afridi claimed three wickets [Source: AP]

Just when South Africa seemed to be controlling the chase, Shadab Khan bamboozled Bavuma and Markram to swing the game in Pakistan's favour. However, rain intervened once again, and South Africa were given a revised target of 142 runs in 14 overs. 

After the game resumed, Tristan Stubbs and Heinrich Klaasen put up some fight, adding 28 runs for the fifth wicket. But once Klaasen fell prey to Shaheen, it was all over for South Africa, as they were restricted to 108 for nine in 14 overs. 

Shaheen Afridi starred with the ball for Pakistan, scalping three wickets for 14 runs in three overs. 

Brief Scores

Pakistan: 185/9 (20)
Shadab Khan 52 (22), Iftikhar Ahmed 51 (35);
Anrich Nortje 4/41 (4), Wayne Parnell 1/31 (4)

South Africa: 108/9 (14)
Temba Bavuma 36 (19), Aiden Markram 20 (14);
Shaheen Afridi 3/14 (3), Shadab Khan 2/16 (2)

Pakistan won by 33 runs (DLS method). 

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