Kyle Verreynne, Andile Phehlukwayo and Janneman Malan proved their quality despite Pakistan’s 28-run win to claim the 3-match series 2-1 against South Africa, writes Khalid Mohidin.
After winning the toss and electing to field, South Africa restricted Pakistan to 320/7, after a 112-run opening partnership between Fakhar Zaman and Imam ul-Haq threatened to take Pakistan to 350.
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The Proteas needed to complete a difficult chase to claim a series win.
Janneman Malan, who many believed should have started the other two ODIs, showed why he has such a massive backing from the fans. He managed to score an 81-ball 70 despite losing two partners while he was at the crease. His knock included 9 fours, but he lost his wicket with the Proteas on 127 after 23.2 overs.
Kyle Verreynne came to the crease after this, and despite losing two partners, in Temba Bavuma and Heinrich Klaasen, he performed well to keep the Proteas in the game.
He put on a solid 108-run partnership with Andile Phehlukwayo. They took the Proteas to 248 when the partnership was broken, Verreynne removed after 62 off 53 balls (3 fours, 3 sixes).
Phehlukwayo also managed to get his half-century, but he was dismissed shortly after doing so, his contribution was 54 off 61 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes).
It was pretty much Pakistan’s game from this point on. Maharaj did however put on a neat cameo – 19 off 11 balls which included 3 fours.
Daryn Dupavillon bettered Maharaj, hitting 17 off 10 (2 fours and 1 six).
Pakistan bowled with precision and class, Mohammad Nawaz (3/18) and Shaheen Afridi (3/58) being the stand out bowlers.
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
