Jonathan Bird’s 75 was in vain as South Africa U19 lost their fourth-successive match to Pakistan in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday and with it the seven-match ODI series.
Knowing that a victory would seal the series, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat. The subcontinental outfit took full advantage of ideal batting conditions as Rohail Nazir (89 off 91) and Haris Khan (62) had South Africa chasing leather for much of the day.
Though the visitors threatened to bat South Africa out of the game, timely wickets by Imraan Peterson (3-52) pegged the tourists back. Abbas Afridi (30) and Khan ensured a strong finish to the innings – scoring at more than 10 to the over – as they posted an imposing 341-8 in their allotted overs.
The South African reply flattered to deceive. A run-a-ball 75 from Jonathan Bird which featured 10 fours and two sixes and a 65-ball 53 from Ruan Terblanche added 116 runs for the second wicket to give the hosts a chance of keeping the series alive.
Pakistan spearhead Naseem Shah led a demolition job of sorts, however, using the Yorker to great effect as he captured 4-52.
Ali was the perfect foil as the left-arm spinner’s four wickets at crucial junctures meant that South Africa lost wickets at regular intervals before ultimately crumbling to 253 all-out.
The hosts will now turn their attention to the final three matches of the series, hoping to salvage some pride.
Photo: Howard Cleland/Backpage Pix
