BIRMINGHAM – David Miller’s 75 not out lifted South Africa from a parlous 118 for six to a more defendable 219 for eight, in their Group B, Champions Trophy match against Pakistan at Edgbaston.
Miller had to play within himself, batting with the tail for the latter stages, as South Africa’s much-vaunted top-order fell to the part-time spin that skipper AB de Villiers had brushed aside in the pre-match press conference.
De Villiers himself fell for his first-ever first baller in one-day internationals, as South Africa seriously complicated their passage to the semi-final stage.
Photo: Andrew Boyers/Reuters
Pakistan, who had been terrible against India, were inspired, saving runs, and holding their catches, as they smelt an upset.
Miller (75 not out off 104 balls) received support from Chris Morris (28 off 45 balls) and Kagiso Rabada (26 off balls), to lift themselves beyond 200.
Hasan Ali took three for 24, and Imad Wasim two for 20, as Pakistan look to keep themselves in the competition.
Photo: Andrew Boyers/Reuters
Teams:
Pakistan:
Fakhar Zaman, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik,
Sarfraz Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Shadab Khan, Junaid Khan, Hasan Ali
South Africa:
Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, David Miller, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir.