DUBAI, (Reuters) – Veteran Younus Khan scored a patient 73 to lay the foundations for what turned into a frantic one-wicket victory for Pakistan with just a ball to spare in the fourth one-day international against South Africa yesterday.
Chasing a formidable 275 for victory, Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals.
But they always maintained the required run rate with almost everybody contributing to a run chase which levelled the series at two-all after the teams produced a thrilling finish for the third match in a row.
It should have been so much more comfortable for Pakistan who needed 64 to win from the final 10 overs with five wickets intact and a batting powerplay to come.
But Morne Morkel claimed the pivotal wickets of Younus and Abdul Razzaq (33) to spread panic in the Pakistan camp.
It was left to a mad scramble by tailenders Wahib Riaz, who belted two vital fours in an innings of 18 from 10 balls, and wicket keeper Zulqarnain Haider (19 not out) to help Pakistan cross the line. Captain Graeme Smith (92) anchored the Proteas’ innings on his return to the side after missing the last two games with a hand injury.
With useful contributions of 49 from AB de Villiers and 36 from JP Duminy there was a sense that Pakistan would struggle to compete having limped to just 226 in a losing cause on the same pitch two days earlier.
However, captain Shahid Afridi hammered 29 from 25 balls to give the innings a boost in the usually quiet middle overs and, while Pakistan were good value for their victory in front of a near capacity and partisan 20,000-strong crowd, South Africa will question another highly undisciplined bowling effort.
It included 12 wides and figures of 10-0-79-1 for Dale Steyn playing his first match for two months following injury.
The decider in the five-match series will be played at the same venue on Monday.
