Pakistan defeat South Africa

Having won the toss, Pakistan captain Inzamam-Ul-Haq had no hesitation in fielding first on a wicket which looked as though it would provide assistance to the seam bowlers of both sides.

Inzamam’s decision soon proved prescient, as Mohamad Sami trapped A B de Villiers lbw, Umar Gul bowled South African skipper Graeme Smith and Sami found the edge of Herchelle Gibbs’ bat to reduce the Proteas to 27 for 3.

Respectability was then brought to the score by way of a valuable partnership between Jacques Kallis and Ashwell Prince, however, with the score at 57 for 3 both batsmen complained to the umpires about the variable bounce in the wicket. Their complaints brought coach Micky Arthur and captain Smith onto the field to express the view that the match should be abandoned, however, after a seven minute delay the umpires decided the pitch was safe for play, subject to their monitoring conditions for any further deterioration.

Kallis and Prince resumed their partnership, but when both departed with the score on 93 South Africa looked set to subside. Fortunately for the Proteas, Loots Bosman provided a thumping 57 ball 53. Bosman’s heroics, together with some support from wicket keeper Mark Boucher saw South Africa scramble to 199 all out from 49.3 overs.

South Africa’s total was competitve in the conditions, however, the pitch appeared to improve after the break. Nevertheless, South Africa struck early with Andre Nel snaring Imran Nazir for nought.

Younis Khan and Mohammad Hafeez then combined in a steady partnership which eased Pakistan towards the target. The departure of Hafeez, caught behind off Charl Langeveldt for 49 did not impede the progress of Younis, who eventually fell lbw to Smith for 79 from 98 balls.

Mohammad Yousuf (48) and Shoaib Malik (16) then saw Pakistan through to victory with 5.3 overs to spare.

Pakistan have now won both of their warm-ups, and this win will have erased some of the memories of a difficult recent tour of South Africa. Inzamam’s team is now well placed ahead of the tournament-opener against West Indies on Tuesday.

South Africa 199
Loots Bosman 53, Ashwell Prince 35
Mohammad Sami 2-13, Umar Gul 2-20

Pakistan won by 7 wickets

Pakistan 200-3
Younis Khan 79, Mohammad Hafeez 49, Mohammad Yousuf 48*
Andre Nel 1-21, Charl Langeveldt 1-21