LIVE SCORE - PAK vs SA, ICC World Cup 2023: Toss, Blog, Videos And Updates From Chennai

What a game. The closest we have seen in this World Cup so far. South Africa ultimately won by one wicket. They were 250/6 chasing 271 but Pakistan pushed them to their limit.

With this victory, South Africa move to the top of the points table. As for Pakistan, they have lost four matches on the trot and it's probably ended all their quantification chances for the semis.

On this note, let's wrap up for today. Tomorrow is a double-header. So, join us early. Ta-ta!

SOUTH AFRICA WIN!

No choking from South Africa. Maharaj held his nerves and nails a four on a pull to Nawaz which proved to be a winning hit.

Fast-bowlers have bowled out. Only spinners will bowl now. 5 runs are needed off 18 balls.

Is this it? Pakistan have taken a DRS for an LBW. Tabraiz Shamsi is the batter in question. If this is out, Pakistan have won this. Umpire's call saves him. Match is still on. 8 runs are needed off 24 balls.

WOW! HARIS RAUF, YOU BEAUTY!!!

Rauf has taken blinder of a caught and bowled to end Ngidi's stay at the crease. Pakistan, what are you. South Africa, what are you. What even is this match...

Sensible batting on display!

Maharaj and Ngidi are relying on singles. They know they cannot afford to take a risk. 11 runs are needed off 30 balls.

We are witnessing the first thriller of this World Cup. And fittingly, two of the most unpredictable teams have dished it out.

Another one!!!

'Dil Dil Pakistan' plays inside the stadium as Babar and Co. are on top. Shaheen sends Coetzee packing. This is anybody's game now.

What have you done, Markram?

A wild slog by Markram. He gets deceived all ends up, hands an easy catch and provides Pakistan another a reason to dream. What a game this is turning out to be...

SA doing it in 1s and 2s!

Markram and Coetzee have adopted a cautious approach and are not taking any undue risks.  And as I write this, a run-out opportunity has been missed. 22 runs are needed off 60 balls.

Pakistan are still holding onto this game but that's not just enough. South Africa are still better placed but should ideally cross the finishing line without any hiccups. 34 runs are needed off 72 balls.

4,6 & OUT!

Rauf leaks runs but takes a wicket soon after. Jansen was going all guns blazing but he now has to take a long walk back to the dressing room. Pakistan are not going down without a fight.

Target under 50 runs!

Markram and Jansen are dealing in boundaries to flatten Pakistan even more. A wicket is needed and it must come soon.

Babar opts for a DRS for a caught-behind. There seems to be not much interest. And the ultraedge shows a flat line. Pakistan lose a review.

Markram is holding this run-chase in South Africa's favour. It should not be a problem for them if he bats five more overs from here.

It's just not over yet!

There seems to be a clear nick. They are checking for a clean catch. And it's out. Shaheen bests Miller as Pakistan still have a glimmer of hope left.

SA's total goes past 200 runs. We are in for another early finish unless Pakistan pull a rabbit out of the hat.

Controversy erupts on Rassie van der Dussen's LBW dismissal

The game is slipping away for Pakistan. The target is coming down with every hit and the way Markram and Miller are approaching their innings, the match should get over soon if they continue with this momentum.

Babar had brought on the slip. The move almost worked but the ball flew over the fielder as David Miller swatted hard at the delivery.

South Africa counterpunching!

Markram and Miller have made up their minds. They do not want to take this deep and are therefore, smashing their way out of this mini comeback that Pakistani bowlers are orchestrating.

50 FOR MARKRAM!

He is the key for South Africa to close out this game. He is well-set and must do the job of batting through in this run-chase.

So True!

BIGG BIGGG WICKET!

Wasim is turning it around for Pakistan. He digs in short to test Klaasen. The batter plays a pull shot but only manages to top-edge the ball to the third-man fielder. PAKISTAN ARE WELL AND TRULY IN IT.

Heinrich Klaasen is putting on the pressure straightway. Mir gives him a welcome gift in the form of a full-toss and accepts it, sending the ball over the ropes.

Alright, has it started?

Usama Mir, Shadab's concussion substitute, breaks open this game for Pakistan. Van der Dussen gets beaten by a skidder as the ball thuds on his leg. He gets adjudged LBW and opts for a review. There were two umpire's calls but the on-field decision stands.

Pakistan are searching for a magical moment. Their bowlers are not looking threatening at all and they need #QudratKaNizam to do the work for them.

Pakistan are playing the catch up. It's only been 16 overs but the way Markram has batted, he last left Pakistan in doldrums, making them pay for every poor delivery that their bowlers have bowled.

Markram on song!

He is making batting look ridiculously easy. He has flown off to a brilliant start, gathering quick runs in fours and sixes. Pakistan need a wicket now.

Aiden Markram has just arrived at the crease and already he has hit some delightful strokes. And as I write this, he has crunched another one on the square. WOW!

Will Haris Rauf prove his detractors wrong?

Mohammad Wasim Jr. strikes!

The World Cup debutant has struck. Bavuma was looking good until this nothing shot. He tried to pull the ball but got holed out at square leg.

South Africa motoring along!

The Proteas were given a great headstart by de Kock and since his dismissal, Bavuma has taken over the mantle, ensuring that South Africa stay ahead in the run-chase. 

Bavuma releases the pressure. Nawaz was brought as a ploy against van der Dussen but Bavuma keeps the strike to himself and tears the spinner apart, scoring three boundaries in the over.

Pakistan have restricted the flow of runs in the last four overs. South Africa were 30/0 after two overs but at the end of sixth, the score reads 39/1. De Kock's have allowed them to come back inti this game.

Pakistan seem to have done their homework well. They introduce left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz in the attack for Rassie van der Dussen who has struggled against spin in this World Cup. 

Shaheen fires back!

The pacer bowls a half-tracker in de Kock's slot. But the southpaw picks the only fielder at deep square leg. Lucky break for Pakistan this.

De Kock bosses Shaheen🔥

Shaheen Shah Afridi goes wayward in his line and Quinton de Kock is not someone who would miss out. He has been dealt with four fours as Pakistan are being pushed to the backfoot early on in this innings. 

Serious concern for Pakistan. Shadab Khan hurts his head and shoulder while fielding. Oh No! They are bringing a stretcher for him as he cannot even stand up. This is not a good sight. Alright. He seems to be ok. He is walking off the field.

We are back with the chase. South African openers Temba Bavuma abd Quinton de Kock have walked in. Interesting ploy from Pakistan to start with spin. Iftikhar Ahmed is getting ready to roll over his arms. And he begins with five wides.

Pakistan cannnot do without a win today. If they fail to defend this total, they would virtually be knocked out of the tournament. But I am placing my bets on them to come out of this contest with a victory.

That's it! Pakistan have been bundled out for 270!!!

Ngidi takes the last wicket and Pakistan seem to have missed the trick here by going too hard, and they have ended up wasting crucial 20 balls. Handy contribution from Pakistan's lower middle order but no one could carry on that start and get a big one, which has given South Africa a good chance going into the second half.

South Africa are a team in form and their batting arsenal is pretty dangerous. However, the only other time they chased in this tournament, they crumbled under pressure against the Netherlands which will be on the back of the mind of both teams and this could be an interesting chase.

Mohammad Nawaz departs, Jansen gets his third!!!

A handy knock from Nawaz but with four overs to go after this one , Pakistan needed him to bat till the end. This would surely make a difference of 20-25 runs to the end total. Good catch from Miller as well, he slightly misjudged it but made sure that he grabs it with both hands in the end.

Shamsi has got the breakthrough again and this time it's Shaheen Afridi! He beautifully set up the batter, pulled his length slightly back after pitching is full. Shaheen falls in the trap and the fielder takes a straight forward catch in the first slip. Pakistan are eight down!!

Meanwhile, Tabraiz Shamsi has struck for South Africa and it's Saud Shakeel who must make his way back to the hut. There was an invitation for cut shot, Shakeel edges the ball and Quinton de Kock takes a sharp catch behind the stumps. Shaheen Afridi joins the middle to bat alongside Mohammad Nawaz. Pakistan are 251 for 7 in 43 overs; will they breach the 300-run mark? I think they will. 

Saud Shakeel and Shadab Khan have set the record for the highest sixth wicket stand for Pakistan against South Africa in World Cup history! Take a bow. 

South Africa have brought their trump card Gerald Coetzee back into the attack. However, Saud Shakeel welcomes him with a glorious boundary. Pakistan are 194 for 5 with 15.3 overs to go. Can Shadab and Shakeel ensure a fitting finish for Pakistan?

A boundary and a maximum in the last over and a mighty hit over deep extra cover for Shadab Khan. The spinning all-rounder is turning on the tempo for Pakistan. PAK - 183/5 after 34 overs.

Stat Attack

Highest scores in Chennai at No.3 in World Cup 2023: 

-Babar Azam: 50 (S/R: 76) today 

-Virat Kohli: 85 (S/R: 73)

-Kane Williamson: 78 (S/R: 73)

-Babar Azam: 74 (S/R: 80)

-Steve Smith: 46 (S/R: 65)

Arjun: Can Shadab and Saud Shakeel pull Pakistan from this deep sea in Chennai? I really hope so. They are five down against one of the top bowling units of this tournament and it seems the road has come to an end for them. But, but, but.. it shouldn't be the end of the World Cup for Pakistan. A World Cup with Pakistan out of contention would be a boring World Cup for me. 

Twist in Babar's tale??

The PAK skipper went to sweep it but missed it to the keeper. The ball missed the leg stump by an inch or so. Tabraiz Shamsi and Quinton de Kock - both jumped in agony, but wait something is happening here. The keeper and the skipper think Babar could be a goner here. They review it and Babar has gloved it to the keeper. 

TV umpire Richard Illingworth gets a look at it a couple of times before asking the on-field umpire Paul Reiffel to reverse his decision to OUT. Big moment in the game as Babar Azam bites the dust after his half-century.

Massive moment in the game. Pakistan are 5 down now, Babar Azam goes off crying! That is sad. PAK - 141-5 in 27.5 overs.

Babar goes off crying (Hotstar.com)

Tears in Babar's eyes (Hotstar.com)

Fifty for Babar

Babar Azam notches consecutive fifties for Pakistan. When the chips were down, the Pakistan skipper came and delivered. His strike rate may get some scrutiny but boy, he bats in elegance. A fifty in 64 ball, PAK are 135-4 in 26.3 overs.

Babar Azam gets the hattrick in the day. And he misses to convert on this occasion. He could only sweep it to fine leg for just a single.  

Arjun: Andddddd, as I said, the Iftikhar move against Shamsi fails for Pakistan. Just when the middle-order batter tried using his feet against the Chinaman, he pays the prize. He comes down the pitch but doesn't get to the pitch of it. But still goes through with the shot trying to hoist it over mid-wicket, getting it off the outside part of the bat.

That is a very good catch from Heinrich Klaasen. He ran hard to his left from long on and grabs it safely. Iftikhar tries to break free but perishes in the process.

PAKISTAN ARE FOUR DOWN NOW! 129-4 after 24.1 overs. Hasan Ali, King kar lega kya? Babar - 47*.

Babar Azam is heading towards another fifty. Smashes Maharaj for a maximum. And Hasan Ali from the dugout be like ⤵️⤵️⤵️⤵️

Arjun: Sending Iftikhar ahead of Saud Shakeel seems like a solid move to me. He could counter attack and has the ability to go after Coetzee's hit the deck bowling. However, Iffy against Tabriaz Shamsi could be a dicey move. 

Debashis: Yes, I completely agree with you, Arjun. Pakistan are in a do-or-die situation, so they need someone to play a game-breaking knock here. Yes, the spinners could trouble him a bit, but he is the one who can unsettle the rampant Proteas. 

Iftikhar Ahmed comes out in the middle. That seems like an aggressive move from the Men in Green in a do-or-die affair. 

Killer bouncer sends Rizwan packing!!

Coetzee's aggressive bowling does the trick for South Africa. The upcoming youngster breaks the daunting-looking stand between Rizwan and Babar. Bowls a short delivery in the channel, the aggressive-looking Rizzy goes to pull him but gets a faint edge down to the keeper. QDK does the keeper before he throws the cherry up in the air. AND COETZEE's 'DALE STEYN-ESQUE' REACTION SAYS IT ALL.  

PAK - 86/3 in 15.4 overs.

Pakistan are back under the pump. They are three down now. Iftikhar Ahmed comes out at no. 5.

Coetzee after Rizwan's wicket (Hotstar.com)

MY GOODNESSS!!!

Rizwan has unleashed himself against the South Africans today. Kneels down on one knee and goes monty against over cow corner. Gets enough height and distance to send it sailing 85 m. LONG INTO THE STANDS FOR A MAXIMUMMM. Slowly the partnership between Rizwan and Babar Azam is turning dangerous. A 46-run stand between the duo. PAK - 83/2 in 14.1 overs.

50 up for Pakistan!!

Rizwan plays a glorious drive through extra cover and it brings up Pakistan's fifty as well. This will get Rizwan going and it takes him to 2000 ODI runs as well. Pakistan are 53-2 at the end of 9 overs.

Scratchy boundary and some aggression from Jansen as well!!

This is good from the fast bowler, this will spice up things a bit more. Jansen gave it back to Mahmudullah in the last game against the Bangla Tigers and here he is again, this time he has some words of wisdom for Rizwan as well. Pakistan are 42-2 at the end of 7 overs!

Oh, tough chance goes down now! 

A superb slower fullish delivery from Jansen and Rizwan who mistimed it towards right of Jansen, almost gave it away as the 6ft 8inch tall bowler dived full length and got hands to it as well, but failed to hold onto it.

Imam's struggle continues, double blow for Pakistan!

Imam departs now and once again it is Marco Jansen who delivers for South Africa! A lazy shot this from Imam-ul-Haq and this has been his problem throughout this tournament. He throws his bat away from his body to this full delivery from Jansen and only managed to hit it to Klaasen at gully. South Africa right on top! Pakistan are 38-2 in the 7th over.

Babar Azam comes out to the middle!!! King Bobby gets a hattrick as Jansen dishes a no-ball, clipped away from a boundary. And there's another hattrick on offer. Babar opens his stance but it wasn't there to hit. Collects TWO MORE RUNS. PAK - 28/1 in 5 overs.

OHHHH MY GODDDDDDDD! 

Abdullah Shafique has been bounced out by Marco Jansennnn!! Well-directed bouncer by the left-arm, the righty opener gets awkward in his pull shot as he lends an easy catch Lungi Ngidi at long leg. The extra bounce that Jansen gets because of his height undoes Shafique here as the opening stand is broken. PAK - 20/1 after 4.3 overs.

Lungi Ngidi bowls from the other end. Imam will bowl his first ball of the match vs the right-arm seamer. Cuts him on the first as PAK put first runs on the board, and ends it with a beautiful flick for a boundary. 6 runs off it, PAK - 6/0 after two overs. 

Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq up against Marco Jansen.. here we roll!!! The lanky left-arm seamer starts off with a brilliant, bowls at tight lines and lengths to get occasional swing in the air. A decent maiden over to begin the proceedings. PAK - 0/0 after 1 over.

PAK vs SA - Team Changes

Pakistan have made 2 changes. Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Wasim Jr come in for Usama Mir and Hasan Ali.

South Africa have made 3 changes. Temba Bavuma, Lungi Ngidi and Tabraiz Shamsi come in for Reeza Hendricks, Kagiso Rabada and Lizaad Williams. Rabada is ruled out of this game and has been rested as a precautionary measure due to a lower back spasm.

Major update coming live from Chennai. It's raining in Chennai. Fingers crossed!!!

After yesterday's game, England have opened the doors for Australia, Pakistan and even Sri Lanka. Now, the Men In Green have entered the do-or-die stage, and boy oh boy, they love being under the pump. Pakistan, somehow, bring their best when their backs are against the walls. And, today could be the day for Babar Azam's men.

South Africa, on the other hand, have played quite opposite to their usual self. They haven't choked as yet - baring in the match against Netherlands. But it would be interesting to watch how they keep their nerves calm as the tournament is heading towards it the business.

Hello and welcome to the Live Blog of Pakistan and South Africa live from Chennai. Stay tuned with OneCricket for live score, rapid update, exclusive pictures and videos live from Chepauk. Fill your popcorn tub and soft drinks! the Pakistan vs Proteas clash will be everything a cricket fan desires.