South Africa’s Thrilling Win Boosts Semifinal Bid in Cricket World Cup 2023

South Africa managed to secure a thrilling one-wicket victory against Pakistan in the most intense encounter of the Cricket World Cup 2023. The showdown took place in Chennai with the Proteas pursuing a target of 271. Their dominance was evident while Aiden Markram held the crease guiding his team confidently. However, the tension escalated when Markram was dismissed for a valiant 91 and South Africa found themselves at 250-8 facing a sudden slide in their innings.

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South Africa managed to secure a thrilling one-wicket victory against Pakistan in the most intense encounter of the Cricket World Cup 2023

Despite the dwindling wickets and the challenge at hand, the remaining time available wasn’t a concern for South Africa. The spotlight shifted to the South African tail-end batsmen who now had the daunting task of mustering 21 crucial runs against an exceptionally motivated Pakistan bowling attack. This electrifying encounter not only highlighted the unpredictable nature of the CWC 2023.

But also showcased the resilience and determination of both teams as they fought tooth and nail for a place in the Cricket World Cup final. Keshav Maharaj and Lungi Ngidi brought South Africa within striking distance but the tension reached its peak when Ngidi was caught in a remarkable display. Of athleticism by Haris Rauf during his follow-through with the Proteas needing just 11 runs to seal their victory.

In a moment of incredible drama, Pakistan decided to review a lbw appeal against the number 11 Tabraiz Shamsi on the final ball of Haris’ spell. The decision of “not-out” was maintained by the narrowest of margins even though the ball was shown to be clipping the leg stump falling under the category of “umpire’s call.”

The Proteas encountered only one loss in their Cricket World Cup 2023 matches

With their pacemen already bowled out, Pakistan had no choice but to turn to spin. Keshav Maharaj rose to the occasion, smashing Mohammad Nawaz for a boundary that secured the win with 22 balls to spare. South Africa’s exceptional performance in this crucial encounter propelled them to the top of the CWC 2023 standings.

Earlier, they had successfully bowled out Pakistan for 270, largely due to the mesmerizing performance of the left-arm wrist-spinner Shamsi, who finished with figures of 4-60. The Proteas have encountered only one defeat in their six matches, a surprising loss to the Netherlands. They now share the top spot with India, both accumulating 10 points in the tournament.

South Africa known for their early-stage prowess in World Cups followed by unexpected eliminations

However, South Africa gains the edge in net run-rate, despite having played an additional game. Their upcoming match against New Zealand in Pune on Wednesday may be the key to securing a coveted spot in the final four of the Cricket World Cup. With their fourth defeat in six matches, Pakistan’s path to the semi-finals in CWC 2023 has become incredibly challenging.

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Even if they manage to secure victories in their remaining three games, the likelihood of progressing to the semi-finals hinges on some rather improbable outcomes in other matches. South Africa, known for their early-stage prowess in World Cups followed by unexpected eliminations, has shown a different side in India. Except for their surprising loss to the Netherlands, they have displayed a well-rounded and formidable performance.

Pakistan obvious a significant milestone at the start of CWC

Notably, their recent victory against Pakistan marked a significant milestone as it was their first successful chase in this tournament. Furthermore, it ended a 24-year streak without a Cricket World Cup win over Pakistan spanning both the 50-over and T20 formats. Nonetheless, South Africa came perilously close to squandering their advantage.

Their innings, which had stood at 136-4 saw Aiden Markram partnering with the composed David Miller. This fifth-wicket duo added 70 crucial runs, placing the game firmly within South Africa’s reach. However, the tension escalated when David Miller was dismissed and caught behind off Shaheen Afridi’s delivery ushering in a nerve-wracking phase, particularly for newcomer Marco Jansen.

Aiden Markram launched a counter-attack and Marco Jansen joined in by hitting a spectacular straight six off Haris. However, he was dismissed on the very next ball, leaving South Africa still requiring 36 runs for victory. Even then, Markram seemed to be in control, but a wild swipe at leg-spinner Usama Mir, who had come into the game as a concussion replacement for Shadab Khan, resulted in his dismissal.

When Gerald Coetzee edged Shaheen’s delivery without adding any more runs to the score, Pakistan emerged as the favourites. Keshav Maharaj and Lungi Ngidi at the crease played and missed and their running between the wickets appeared uncertain. Shaheen, despite his relentless effort, exhausted his allotted 10-over quota, while fellow paceman Mohammad Wasim battled cramps.

South Africa’s exceptional performance in this crucial encounter propelled them

Harris, however, had one over left to bowl and energy in reserve. In a crucial moment, Ngidi chipped the ball back, and Haris made a remarkable catch. Then came the decisive moment as Shamsi was struck on the pads by his second ball from Haris. Umpire Alex Wharf initially turned down the appeal, and the decision review system upheld the decision as an ‘umpire’s call.’

CWC 2023: Maharaj struck the ball for four celebrating with great enthusiasm

If Wharf had originally ruled in favour of Pakistan, they would have emerged victorious. South Africa successfully navigated Wasim’s final over, and Pakistan turned to Nawaz with only five runs to defend. Shamsi secured a single, and Maharaj struck the next ball for four, celebrating with great enthusiasm. Cricket World Cup 2023 Semifinalists Teams Preview.

Pakistan’s indifferent campaign, including a crushing defeat by their fierce rivals and an unexpected loss to Afghanistan. It had prompted their cricket board to issue a statement urging support for captain Babar Azam and the team. However, this latest setback leaves them on the brink of elimination. Their recurring batting weaknesses placed a significant burden on the bowlers, even though the bowling unit exhibited a wholehearted effort in defending the total.

South Africa played without their key pace bowler Kagiso Rabada, who was sidelined due to a back spasm. Despite this, Pakistan’s batsmen struggled to assert themselves. While seven Pakistan batters reached double figures, only one partnership managed to exceed 50 runs. Left-arm seamer Marco Jansen proved effective at both ends of the innings, and Gerald Coetzee bowled with aggression during the middle overs.

However, the standout performer was Tabraiz Shamsi, who showcased remarkable flight and guile and skillfully turned the ball in both directions. Shamsi delivered the crucial blow by dismissing Babar, who was looking ominous at 50 before attempting a sweep. Wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock made a sharp catch down the leg side, and a thoughtful review revealed the faintest contact.

Cricket World Cup: Babar Azam acknowledged their effort

Saud Shakeel with 52 and Shadab who contributed 43 put together a partnership of 84 runs for the sixth wicket. Nonetheless, Shadab’s dismissal marked the beginning of a late collapse, with the last five wickets falling for just 45 runs. Despite initially seeming to set a target 50 runs short of competitiveness, the heart-stopping finish demonstrated that Pakistan had come much closer to victory.

Babar Azam acknowledged their effort that we had a fightback

South Africa’s player of the match, Tabraiz Shamsi, commented that I knew I had to do a job there, but the guys who bowled before me set it up perfectly. They’re maybe the first four runs I’ve scored this year and Kesh scored large runs and Lungi before him too.

Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, acknowledged their effort, stating that yes, we had a fightback. We did not finish well or start well but the bowlers fought very well. We had a very close fight and fought very well. At this point, we had an opportunity to win this match but we missed it. We will try our best in our next three CWC 2023 matches and put our effort into our next match.

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