- Tue, March 15, 2022
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In an action-packed warm-up match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, South Africa secured a thrilling 3-wicket victory over Pakistan Shaheen at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi. Chasing a formidable 323-run target, the Proteas batters showcased their depth, with a remarkable late blitz from Marco Jansen propelling them to victory with an over to spare.
Scorecard Summary:
Pakistan Shaheen Batting: (322 for 8 wickets in 50 overs)
Extras: 18 (4xLB, 12xWD, 1xNB, 1xB)
South Africa Bowling
Overall Economy Rate: 6.44
South Africa Innings: (324 for 7 wickets in 49 overs)
Extras: 10 (4xB, 2xLB, 3xNB, 1xW)
Pakistan Shaheen Bowling
Pakistan Shaheen Post a Strong Total
Batting first, Pakistan Shaheen delivered a solid batting display, finishing at 322/8 in 50 overs. The innings was headlined by a stunning century from Muhammad Huraira, who smashed 110 off 114 balls, striking 12 boundaries and a six. His opening partner, Hasaan Nawaz, played a quickfire 49 off 46 balls, narrowly missing out on his half-century.
Experienced opener Imam-ul-Haq anchored the innings with a patient 94 off 153 balls, playing the perfect support role to Huraira. However, despite the strong platform, Pakistan struggled to capitalize in the final overs, as wickets tumbled in quick succession.
Contributions from Maaz Sadaqat (28 off 30) and a few lower-order runs helped Pakistan Shaheen push past 320. However, South Africa’s bowlers kept the pressure on, particularly Marco Jansen (3/54 in 10 overs), who was the standout performer, dismantling the middle order. Pieter Mulder (2/32) and Lungi Ngidi (1/51) also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
South Africa’s Chase: Jansen’s Blazing Knock Seals Victory
South Africa responded with an equally strong batting display, finishing at 324/7 in 49 overs, successfully chasing down the target. The innings saw multiple solid contributions from the top order before an explosive finish sealed the deal.
Ryan Rickelton (57 off 41), Tony De Zorzi (56 off 54), and Rassie van der Dussen (52 off 64) set the foundation with well-paced half-centuries. Their aggressive yet calculated approach ensured South Africa stayed ahead of the required rate.
Captain Temba Bavuma (36 off 46) played a supporting role, while Aiden Markram (54 off 51) remained unbeaten, steering the innings through a crucial phase.
However, the real game-changer was Marco Jansen’s jaw-dropping 92 off just 33 balls*. The left-hander launched an assault on Pakistan Shaheen’s bowlers, hammering 10 sixes and 3 fours to single-handedly turn the match in South Africa’s favor. His extraordinary power-hitting left Pakistan Shaheen helpless in the closing overs.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled against South Africa’s calculated aggression. Niaz Khan (2/42), Mehran Mumtaz (2/45), and Faisal Akram (2/66) provided breakthroughs but couldn't contain Jansen’s onslaught.
Key Takeaways from the Warm-up Match
Muhammad Huraira and Imam-ul-Haq shine for Pakistan: A century from Huraira and a steady 94 from Imam provided a great opening stand but the middle order faltered.
South Africa’s batting depth proves crucial: With contributions from multiple batters, South Africa showed why they remain a formidable side in major tournaments.
Marco Jansen’s all-round brilliance: His 3 wickets with the ball and an unbeaten 92 off 33 balls with the bat made him the match-winner.
Pakistan Shaheen’s death bowling needs improvement: The inability to contain Jansen in the final overs proved costly, something they must address before the main event.
What’s Next?
This warm-up game provided key insights for both teams as they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan Shaheen will look to improve their finishing ability with both bat and ball, while South Africa will be pleased with their adaptability and all-round depth.
With the tournament just around the corner, both sides will be keen to make final adjustments and fine-tune their strategies. If this match was any indication, cricket fans are in for an electrifying tournament ahead!
OFFICIAL SCORESHEET: PAKISTAN SHAHEEN VS SOUTH AFRICA WAM-UP MATCH, THE EXACT SCORE SHEET HAS BEEN CIRCULATED TO MEMBERS OF MEDIA FROM CSA ON 17/02/2025
Courtesy: Cricket South Africa (CSA)
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