Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has shown why he is regarded as one of the world’s most valuable T20 cricketers, starring in a much needed win over South Africa at the World Cup.
After losing its first two matches in heartbreaking circumstances, Pakistan kept its faint semi-final hopes alive with a 33-run win over the Proteas at the SCG in a rain-hit clash.
A Pakistan win seemed like an absurd outcome when it slumped to 4-43 in the seventh over before Shadab combined with Iftikhar Ahmed to boost Pakistan to an imposing total of 185.
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The pair put on 82 runs in the space of six overs, with Shadab whacking his maiden T20 international half-century off just 20 deliveries before being dismissed for 52. It was the second-fastest 50 of the tournament behind Marcus Stoinis’ blitz against Sri Lanka.
Iftikhar helped the innings together expertly, finishing with 51 off just 35 deliveries.
Shaheen Shah Afridi struck twice early in the run chase, removing the dangerous Quinton de Kock and Rilee Rossouw.
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South African skipper Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram maintained the required rate before Shadab entered and removed the pair inside his first three balls, putting Pakistan well ahead of the DLS target score as rain forced the players off the ground.
The contest was shortened to 14 overs a side, leaving South Africa with a stiff task and one it could not complete, as Pakistan’s pace bowlers put on a clinic on how to execute in the death overs.
Pakistan remains third in Group 2 behind South Africa and India and will require an upset in the final round of group stage matches to advance.
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