On October 27, 2023, in Chennai, South Africa beat Pakistan by one wicket while chasing 270 runs in a crucial match of the ICC Men’s World Cup. Babar Azam won the toss early before the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and elected to bat first. During the coin, Temba Bavuma expressed his desire to bat first as well. Pakistan scored 270 runs despite a rocky start and losing all its wickets. Pakistan scored some runs with the assistance of captain Babar Azam (50), Saud Shakeel (52), and Shadab Khan (43) on the field.
South Africa beat Pakistan by 1 wicket | World Cup 2023
Tabraiz Shamsi captured four wickets for the Proteas, Marco Jansen secured three, Gerald Coetzee secured two, and Lungi Ngidi secured one. The Proteas quickly lost de Kock in pursuit of 271, but Temba Bavuma (28), Rassie van der Dussen (21), and Bavuma maintained the momentum. Aiden Markram’s (91) magnificent performance enabled the Proteas to weather the Pakistani high-tideal bowling attack despite losing wickets in the process. Keshav Aharaj hit the game-winning boundary on the second delivery of the 48th over, giving the Proteas a one-wicket victory with 16 balls remaining.
Shaheen Shah Afridi secured three wickets for Pakistan, whereas Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf, and Usama Mir each took two wickets. This victory propels South Africa to the summit of the ICC points standings, ten points in front of India. In contrast, Pakistan is positioned sixth with four points. Pakistan and South Africa opted to implement several modifications to their starting XIs. Mohammad Wasim Jr. enters the lineup in lieu of Hassan Ali, who is injured, while Mohammad Nawaz returns to action following the injury.
In the interim, Temba Bavuma, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Lungi Ngidi replace Reeza Hendricks, Kagiso Rabada, and Lizaad Williams in the South African XI. In light of rumors that Babar Azam’s stewardship may be rescinded should Pakistan fail to qualify for the World Cup, the leading one-day international batsman in the world will attempt to make a statement with the ball.
