Pakistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq plays a shot during their fourth One-Day International match against South Africa in Durban, yesterday.
DURBAN, South Africa: Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq led his side to a three-wicket win over South Africa in the fourth one-dayer yesterday, setting up a series decider in the final match in Benoni on Sunday.
Misbah made 80 and Imran Farhat scored 93 as Pakistan chased down South Africa’s total of 234 for nine with eight balls to spare.
Misbah and opening batsman Farhat shared a 153-run fourth wicket partnership after Pakistan had been struggling at 33 for three after 11 overs.
The early wickets included that of Mohammad Hafeez, who was given out for obstructing the field in the second over.
He changed direction and was hit on the leg by a throw from South African wicketkeeper and captain AB de Villiers, who was throwing at the stumps at the bowler’s end when Hafeez was several metres out of his ground.
Hafeez was only the fourth batsmen -- and the third Pakistani -- to be dismissed for obstructing the field in one-day internationals.
Pakistan’s fast bowlers struck early and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal took three crucial middle order wickets as South Africa struggled after winning the toss, despite a fourth wicket stand of 115 between captain De Villiers (75) and David Miller (67).
South Africa’s troubles started early when the tall left-armer Mohammad Irfan took wickets with the first two balls of the match. He had Hashim Amla caught behind, then bowled Colin Ingram with a yorker.
Fellow left-armer Junaid Khan followed up with the wickets of Graeme Smith and Farhaan Behardien as South Africa slumped to 38 for four after winning the toss. De Villiers and Miller gave the home side hope of making a good total before Miller missed a sweep against Ajmal and was out after a career-best innings. Miller’s 67 was scored off 77 balls and he hit seven fours.
Miller’s dismissal came nine balls before the batting power play and South Africa’s hopes plummeted when De Villiers was caught behind. AFP
