Crucial half-centuries from Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen and Faf du Plessis helped the Proteas chase down 241 to seal a 3-2 series win against Pakistan, reports KHALID MOHIDIN from Newlands.
The Proteas backed up their decision to pick three all-rounders by containing Pakistan 240-8. Dwaine Pretorius, Andile Phehlukwayo and Wiaan Mulder all managed to take wickets, with help from Dale Steyn, who kicked everything off.
At Newlands, a score of 240 is regarded as average, but only with clinical and tight bowling.
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The Proteas got their chase off to a solid start, despite Hashim Amla nicking Shaheen Afridi, and Quinton de Kock being saved by a no-ball.
Reeza Hendricks scored a flurry of boundaries to get his rate level with De Kock, while they built a useful partnership by rotating the strike. Halfway through the 14th over they brought up their half-century partnership.
Hendricks, on 34, played an unnecessary cut shot and was caught by Shaheen Afridi at third man.
De Kock brought up his 18th half-century at the start of the 16th over and managed to lift the Proteas to 146-2. He attempted to pull Usman Shinwari, but Hasan Ali ran back and across to his left from mid-wicket for an incredible catch to send De Kock packing after a 58-ball 83 (11 fours, three sixes).
Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen both reached their half-centuries in fine fashion to take the Proteas over the line with an unbroken 95-run partnership as the hosts secured a seven-wicket win.
This was Van Der Dussen’s third half-century in his debut series.
Pakistan 240-8 – Fakhar Zaman 70, Imad Wasim 47; Phehlukwayo 2-42.
Proteas 241-3 – Quinton de Kock 83; Faf du Plessis 50 not out, Rassie van der Dussen 50 not out; Shaheen Afridi 1-34
Photo: Thinus Maritz/Gallo Images
