South Africa vs Pakistan 2013 : 1st ODI - Match Report

Pakistan got off to a winning start away from home when they defeated South Africa by 23 runs in the first ODI at Cape Town. The victory was scripted by the 2 Pakistani debutants, Anwar Ali and Bilawal Bhatti who took 5 wickets among themselves. Anwar ali, who was also the man of the match also scored a crucial 43 not out at a very critical stage to help Pakistan cross 200 runs.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nasir Jamshed and Ahmed Shehzad gave Pakistan a steady start before Dale Steyn took wickets in consecutive overs.

When Steyn removed Shahid Afridi after a typically bright and breezy 26, the tourists were in real trouble at 131 for seven with 14 overs remaining.

However, debutants Bhatti (39) and Anwar Ali (43 not out) put on 74 for the eighth wicket to take Pakistan to a score they could defend.

Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel were instrumental in restricting Pakistan to a modest total, taking 3 wickets each with an economy of under 4 Rpo. 6 Pakistani batsman got starts but none of them could even get to a 50. In the space of 12 overs, Pakistan collapsed from 72-2 to 131-7 before the 2 debutants started the repair work.

Bilawal Bhatti started the onslaught, striking 2 huge blows in his score of 39 off 25 deliveries, a healthy strike rate of 156.00. Bilawal Bhatti played smartly, sticking in till the end to ensure Pakistan play the entire 50 overs.

With a strong batting line-up, a target of 219 should have been a cake walk for South Africa. However, Junaid Khan bowled Hashim Amla behind his legs in the third over. Misbah-ul-Haq immediately brought on Mohammad Hafeez to trouble Quinton de Kock but the offspinner got the better of Graeme Smith, when the Test captain reached forward to play him on the leg-side and was stumped. Jacques Kallis steadied the ship with a well made half century before he was dismissed by Anwar Ali. JP Duminy was the only hope for South Africa as the Net Run Rate crossed 6 rpo.  Duminy had to hold it together but was caught behind reverse-sweeping Ajmal.

South Africa’s tail wagged vigorously but Bhatti saved his best for last. Pinpoint yorkers got rid of both Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel to give Pakistan their first ODI win at Newlands, a South African fortress.