Morne Morkel’s 3-18 against Pakistan could not save the Proteas from a 19-run defeat (D/L method). 

The Proteas were heavily exposed at Edgbaston, as the Pakistan bowling attack hassled the Proteas batting lineup. Only David Miller showed intent, batting through the innings to help keep the Proteas afloat after a top-four collapse saw them crumble to 90-4.

With the Proteas reeling on 118-6, Miller’s 75 off 105 balls gave the Proteas a fighting chance and pushed SA to 219-8, thanks to partnerships with Chris Morris (28) and Kagiso Rabada (26).

The pressure was on and Morkel was exquisite, getting crucial wickets by using the bounce of the pitch to throttle the Pakistan batsmen.

The big man was on the money manipulating the bounce, while the likes of Kagiso Rabada (0-36), Chris Morris (0-22) and Wayne Parnell (0-25) struggled to find their line and length.

After an expensive spell from Parnell, which saw him go for 16 runs in two overs, Morkel came in to bowl and conceded only three in his opening over, pinning the Pakistan openers at the crease.

His persistent short deliveries paid off in his second over, dismissing both Fakhar Zaman (31) and Azhar Ali (9) in the eighth over. With Pakistan on 93-2, Morkel struck again, this time Mohammad Hafeez (26) falling victim to the bounce, just as he was starting to settle in.

Morkel received no support from his fellow speedsters and the Proteas failed to keep Pakistan behind the DLS par, as the game was rained out with 27 overs gone and Pakistan on 119-3.

Scorecard

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