The Proteas won the third ODI against Pakistan by 13 runs on the Duckworth-Lewis method to put them 2-1 up in the five-match series. KHALID MOHIDIN reports.
Pakistan won the toss and came out with intent. They aimed for the 300-run mark and did so, successfully posting 317-6. This was thanks to an incredible performance from their top order.
Imam-ul-Haq starred for his side as he scored a magnificent 101 off 116 balls that included eight fours. There were also much-needed contributions from Babar Azam (69), Mohammad Hafeez (53) and Imad Wasim (43 not out).
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The Proteas’ start to their innings was underwhelming. Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla got decent starts, but SA lost both openers at critical points. Amla was dismissed on 25 and De Kock ran himself out on 33.
Rain interrupted play and the question would always be if the Proteas could stay on par with the Duckworth-Lewis (DL) rate.
Reeza Hendricks and Faf du Plessis did just that. After the rain delay, they came out with attacking promise. By the 33rd over, the DL par score was 180 when the second rain stoppage occurred and the Proteas walked off the field with 187-2, 13 runs ahead of the par score.
Hendricks (83 not out off 90 balls) completed his second ODI half-century, while Du Plessis was not out on 40 off 42 balls, the partnership worth 108.
The Proteas won the match by 13 runs on the DLS method.
Pakistan 317-6 – Imam-ul-Haq 101, Babar Azam 69; Kagiso Rabada 2-57, Dale Steyn 2-43
Proteas 187-2 – Reeza Hendricks 83 not out, Faf du Plessis 40 not out; Hasan Ali 1-33
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
