Finally we have seen a close match at cricket world cup 2023 and it was a definite thriller between South Africa and Pakistan. Keshav Maharaj, the unassuming hero from South Africa, led his team to a thrilling one-wicket victory over Pakistan.
This narrow triumph not only marked South Africa’s fifth win in the tournament but propelled them to the top of the points table. For Pakistan, the road to the semifinals now looks almost closed as they skipped to the sixth position in the points table.
The match had all the makings of a classic encounter, with Pakistan setting a target of 270 runs. South Africa remained ahead in the chase for the big part of the match but in the end, it became a nervy encounter with both teams having a chance to win the game.
Aiden Markram, the star of South Africa’s innings, stepped up to the plate with a masterful 91, seeming to guide the Proteas to a comfortable victory. However, in cricket, fortunes can change in the blink of an eye, and Markram’s dismissal in the 41st over injected fresh life into the contest.
Pakistan was back in the game, breathing down South Africa’s neck with only two wickets in hand and 21 runs to win. A remarkable reselience from Shamsi and Maharaj saw South Africa home in the 47th over.
Earlier Usama Mir, a concussion substitute who replaced the injured Shadab Khan. The leg-spinner’s delivery found the leading edge of Markram’s bat, which brought Pakistan back into the game. Shaheen Afridi, too, played his part with key dismissals, dismissing de Kock, Miller and Coetzee.
At 260-9, the nail-biting tension was unbearable. Haris Rauf, the pacer, pulled off a stunning one-handed return catch off Lungi Ngidi’s bat, leaving South Africa teetering on the brink. The game hung in the balance, poised on a knife’s edge, and the outcome was anyone’s guess.
Keshav Maharaj, resolute and determined, partnered with the No. 11, Tabraiz Shamsi, who showed remarkable composure. Their cool heads under pressure finally freed South Africa from the tag of chokers.
With eight runs needed for victory, Rauf nearly sealed the game for Pakistan, but Shamsi survived a close leg before wicket television referral, keeping South Africa’s hopes alive.
In 47th over, Maharaj, with nerves of steel, faced Pakistan’s left-arm spinner, Mohammad Nawaz, and struck a mighty blow. His pull shot to backward square leg found the boundary, sending the South African dugout into wild celebrations.
Temba Bavuma, the skipper, who had battled back from a gastric illness, summarized the chaotic atmosphere with a smile, acknowledging that the team hadn’t performed well in chasing but could now have more positive conversations.
On the flip side, Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, was left disappointed but not defeated. He lamented being “10-15 runs short” and promised to put in more effort in the upcoming matches.
As the match ended South Africa rejoiced in their victory, while Pakistan pondered their fate in this World Cup. Cricket fans at Chepauk, on the other hand, were finally treated to a spectacle that would be talked about for years to come.
