Imran Tahir took 3-45 as South Africa pulled off an unlikely one-run win against Pakistan in Sharjah in October 2013.
With 19 runs needed off 55 balls and six wickets in hand, the match seemed safe with Pakistan on the brink of victory.
But Imran Tahir, playing his first ODI in two-and-a-half years, led South Africa to a high-octane narrow win as the Proteas bowled Pakistan out for 182 in reply to South Africa’s 183.
Lonwabo Tsotsobe began the slide when he dismissed the well-set Umar Amin at the end of the 41st over, and Tahir struck immediately after, taking three wickets in his next 11 balls.
Pakistan’s last batting pair – Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Irfan – needed to score seven to win, together, and were doing it in leg byes and inside edges, with plenty of close calls in between.
With three to get for victory, Ajmal took a single, exposing the clueless Irfan to Morne Morkel, and the bowler needed only two balls to secure the win. He hit the top of off stump, beating Irfan’s lazy prod, sparking wild celebrations on the field, as a stunned crowd looked on in disbelief.
Picture: Associated Press
