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Pakistan upset favourites South Africa by 7 runs to reach the finals of the T20 world cup. The Proteas have not been able to shake off the ‘chokers’ tag. Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat. Afridi came into some good batting form. Akmal provided the initial thrust.
Afridi took over after Akmal’s dismissal. Afridi and Malik added 67 runs for the third wicket. Afridi was at his destructive best. He scored 51 off 34 balls. His score helped lift Pakistan’s score. The team finished on 149/4.
Afridi took over after Akmal’s dismissal. Afridi and Malik added 67 runs for the third wicket. Afridi was at his destructive best. He scored 51 off 34 balls. His score helped lift Pakistan’s score. The team finished on 149/4.
South Africa started well adding 40 runs for the first wicket. They were reduced to 50/3 later. Afridi put brakes on the scoring claiming the wickets of Gibbs and de Villiers. This proved to be a turning point. The spinners choked the South African batsman. Kallis and Duminy were left too much to do at the end. Kallis perished in an attempt to up the tempo. He scored 64 off 54 balls. The Proteas fell short by 7 runs.
This is yet another exit by the team in a semi-final match. Afridi won the man of the match award for his all round performance. Pakistan await the winners of Sri Lanka-West Indies match.
Match Summary
Pakistan – 149/4 (Afridi 51, Malik 34, Parnell 1/26)
South Africa – 142/5 (Kallis 64, Duminy 44*, Afridi 2/16)
Result – Pakistan won by 7 runs
Man-of-the-match – Shahid Afridi
Venue – Trent Bridge, Nottingham (June 18, 2009)
