South Africa vs Pakistan Live Commentary, 3rd ODI, Pakistan in South Africa, 5 ODI Series, 2019, January 25, 2019

PAK 317/6 (50)

South Africa beat Pakistan by 13 runs (D/L method)

SA 187/2 (33)

Match over

Pakistan Inning Pakistan Inning South Africa Inning

0.0 : Hello and welcome to Supersport Park for the 3rd ODI between South Africa and Pakistan. The series is evenly poised at 1-1 and tells us exactly why the visitors are always a more competitive limited-overs side. They did fold pretty meekly in the 2nd ODI but one would expect a tougher fight from them in this game. Great news for the hosts though, as two of their stars come back into the team. The Proteas start as favorites in this game but the other team in a darker shade of green are unpredictab

TOSS - Sarfraz Ahmed has called right at the toss and says that PAKISTAN WILL BAT FIRST.

Changes for South Africa - Dale Steyn, Quinton de Kock and debutant Beuran Hendricks replace the trio of Heinrich Klassen, Dane Paterson and Duanne Olivier.

Changes for Pakistan - Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir replace Hussain Talat and Faheem Ashraf.

The players finish singing their respective national anthems. The two opening batsmen for Pakistan are Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq. The latter to take strike against Dale Steyn who has the first new ball in his hands. Let's play...

0.1 : D Steyn to Imam, On the money to start off with from Steyn, just a bit outside off and swinging in. Imam plays it back down towards the bowler.

0.2 : D Steyn to Imam, Short of a length ball on middle, kept out off the back foot towards mid-wicket.

0.3 : D Steyn to Imam, Steyn pushes this a littler further up, Imam was looking to defend it with a straight bat but the ball goes off the inside edge towards square leg.

0.4 : D Steyn to Imam, On the middle stump line, defended back towards the bowler from the crease by Imam.

0.5 : D Steyn to Imam, First runs of the day, the ball on a length and a leg stump line is worked away wide of fine leg for an easy couple.

0.6 : D Steyn to Imam, Left alone outside off to end the over. A tidy first one from Dale.

Beuran Hendricks, the left-arm quick has the other new ball. What can he serve up on his first ball in ODI cricket?

1.1 : B Hendricks to F Zaman, Starts off with a slightly fuller one on off stump, Fakhar pushes it back firmly to the bowler.

1.2 : B Hendricks to F Zaman, Shortens the length a tad bit, defended on the back foot.

1.3 : B Hendricks to F Zaman, Fuller length on the off and middle stump, pushed back on the front foot towards the left of mid on by Zaman. The fielder moves to his left and makes a good stop preventing any runs.

1.4 : B Hendricks to F Zaman, Keeps this short of a length ball outside off towards the point region.

1.5 : B Hendricks to F Zaman, Fakhar is off the mark as well as he pushes this one on a full length wide of mid on and gets to the other end.

1.6 : B Hendricks to Imam, Bowled on middle and leg, Imam works it towards the mid on region. No run though. One run off Beuran Hendricks' first over in ODIs.

2.1 : D Steyn to F Zaman, Play and a miss! Fakhar walks down the ground a bit to the first one he faces from Steyn. Tries to cut it away off the length but fails to put bat on ball. Not a smart shot so early on in the innings.

2.2 : D Steyn to F Zaman, Pushes this one a little full on off and middle, Zaman drives it towards mid on.

2.3 : D Steyn to F Zaman, A much straighter and better on drive from Fakhar, Shamsi moves well to his right and makes a lovely tumbling stop to his right.

2.4 : D Steyn to F Zaman, A short of a length ball outside off, Zaman opens the face of the bat towards third man and picks up a single.

2.5 : D Steyn to Imam, Imam shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

2.6 : D Steyn to Imam, A fuller length ball on off, driven through the covers by the lefty but straight to the fielder.

3.1 : B Hendricks to F Zaman, OUT! High in the air and Zaman is gone! Falls cheaply again. Hendricks gets his maiden ODI scalp. Left-armer gets left-hander. A length ball, around middle, Zaman looks to tuck it to the leg side but only skies it high in the air. Kagiso Rabada gets under it at short mid-wicket and takes it comfortably. Decent start for the debutant.

0.0 : Babar Azam walks in at no. 3, replacing Fakhar.

3.2 : B Hendricks to B Azam, FOUR! Catch it! was the call from the bowler and fielders. Quinton de Kock dives full length to his left but couldn't reach that one. Babar starts off with a boundary. This one is a short length ball on the hips, Azam comes inside the line and glances it fine on the leg side. Too close for comfort though!

3.3 : B Hendricks to B Azam, Azam stays in the crease and defends the ball off the back foot.

3.4 : B Hendricks to B Azam, A lovely shot but it goes straight to the third man in the deep. Single picked up by Babar, looking positive here.

3.5 : B Hendricks to Imam, Fuller one on middle, Imam gets this off the inside half of the bat towards mid on.

3.6 : B Hendricks to Imam, Hendricks hurls this one on the shorter length outside off, Imam responds by defending it towards point.

4.1 : D Steyn to B Azam, Delivered outside off and shaping away by Steyn, left alone by Azam.

4.2 : D Steyn to B Azam, Babar pushes ahead and drives this one towards mid on. Does not get good timing on that ball though.

4.3 : D Steyn to B Azam, Crunching sound off the bat as Azam punches the length ball outside off, on his back foot towards cover-point. Goes to the fielder though.

4.4 : D Steyn to B Azam, Oooh! Close! A lovely delivery just outside off and shaping away late. Azam was feeling for the ball but is beaten by the swing. Good ball.

4.5 : D Steyn to B Azam, FOUR! Poor one follows the good ball. Short and wide outside off, Babar frees his arms and cuts this away through the covers off his back foot. Beats the infield and goes to the fence.

4.6 : D Steyn to B Azam, Back to the good line and again beats the outside edge with the outswing. Good battle this, continuing from where they left off in the Tests. Babar trying to dominate Steyn.

5.1 : B Hendricks to Imam, Fuller length ball on middle, Imam comes on his front foot and pushes it to mid on.

5.2 : B Hendricks to Imam, FOUR! Imam takes a couple of steps down the track, makes room and slashes this short ball outside off over the point region. That is amazing utilisation of the fielding restrictions in the PowerPlay.

5.3 : B Hendricks to Imam, Worked off the pads towards fine leg by Imam and the batsmen start off the first run really hard. Steyn comes under pressure and misfields, allowing for the second run to be taken. Good runinng.

5.4 : B Hendricks to Imam, Imam has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

5.5 : B Hendricks to Imam, Quick single! Imam drops this on the leg side off his hips and sets off for a quick run. The fielder at mid-wicket picks it up and throws at the striker's end but misses the stumps. There was a chance of an overthrow to be taken but Babar's followthrough was too much.

5.6 : B Hendricks to B Azam, Fuller one outside off, driven hard but straight to the cover fielder by Azam.

6.1 : D Steyn to Imam, A short of a length delivery ball on middle, Imam gets on top of the bounce and defends this ball.

6.2 : D Steyn to Imam, A length ball outside off and slight swing inward, Imam pushes it towards the cover region.

6.3 : D Steyn to Imam, Short and outside off, Imam would feel he has missed out there. Goes for the cut but fails to make any connection. Steyn gets away with a bad ball.

6.4 : D Steyn to Imam, Wide! Steyn sprays this one down the leg side. It is signalled wide by the umpire.

D Steyn to Imam, Slower ball, 125 kph outside off. Imam defends it watchfully towards the cover region.

6.5 : D Steyn to Imam, Poor shot selection from Imam. Charges down the ground and goes for a wild slash over the off side but only makes connection with thin air. Not such good batting this.

6.6 : D Steyn to Imam, Bowled on the leg stump line, Imam tries to glance it fine but misses the ball. It goes off the thigh pad towards De Kock who makes a good diving collection to his right. A wayward over from Steyn.

7.1 : B Hendricks to B Azam, A length ball on off stump line, Azam defends from the crease.

7.2 : B Hendricks to B Azam, Kept out towards the cover region once more.

7.3 : B Hendricks to B Azam, DROPPED! Andile Phehlukwayo the culprit. These ones have to be taken at this level. A short of a length ball on middle, Azam is late on his pull and it goes at a very slow speed and at a good height towards the mid-wicket region. Andile mistimes his jump it looks like and the ball doesn't stay in his hand. The ball runs for a couple till he goes and collects it. Unlucky for the debutant, could have had his second there.

7.4 : B Hendricks to B Azam, This is much better from Azam, keeps this along the ground as he flicks this away towards square leg for another couple.

7.5 : B Hendricks to B Azam, Good effort this from Andile Phehlukwayo this time to save runs for his team. This one was on the pads and it is flicked away towards mid-wicket. Would have been a boundary if not for the fielding effort.

7.6 : B Hendricks to B Azam, Good timing once more from Azam, but he finds the fielder at mid off this time though.

Kagiso Rabada to bowl now.

8.1 : K Rabada to Imam, Good length ball on middle and leg, it's nudged behind backward square leg for a run.

8.2 : K Rabada to B Azam, Beaten by a beauty! An away swinger, landing on a good length just outside off, Babar stays back to have a push inside the line but misses.

8.3 : K Rabada to B Azam, Angles in a length ball on off, Azam drives it straight bat and Rabada does well to stop it in his followthrough by going down low.

8.4 : K Rabada to B Azam, Azam has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

Is that a six? It seems that Beuran Hendricks has done an exceptional effort here. The umpires are checking upstairs...

8.5 : K Rabada to B Azam, FANTASTIC STOP! Saves four runs for his side. Babar pulls a short ball by Rabada and it flies off the top edge. It goes towards deep backward square leg, Beuran Hendricks comes running to his left from fine leg, puts in a jump as he goes beyond the line but before his feet touch the ground, he has slapped the ball out. Then, he comes back in and throws the ball back in play. Wonderful effort. The third umpire agrees.

8.6 : K Rabada to B Azam, Eases a full ball in the gap at covers for a run.

9.1 : B Hendricks to B Azam, A short length ball on middle, defended from within the crease by Azam.

9.2 : B Hendricks to B Azam, FOUR! Short and on the middle and leg line, Babar stands tall and pulls it away behind square leg for a boundary. That one sat up to be hit, not much pace on it.

9.3 : B Hendricks to B Azam, Fuller length ball outside off, driven towards mid off on the front foot.

9.4 : B Hendricks to B Azam, Guided down to third man off the back foot by Azam. Single taken by the batsmen.

9.5 : B Hendricks to Imam, FOUR! Not off the middle of the bat but Imam gets four. A length ball on off, the southpaw charges down the wicket and hits it back past mid on to the fence.

9.6 : B Hendricks to Imam, Defended calmly towards cover-point to end the over by the lefty. 9 runs off this over, a good one for Pakistan.

Powerplay 2 now. A maximum of 4 fielders can be positioned outside the 30-yard circle now till 40 overs.

10.1 : K Rabada to B Azam, FOUR! Stand and deliver stuff from Babar Azam. A fuller one on middle and it is has been dealt with a straight bat by the batsman. The ball runs to the fence, no fielder moved there. Lovely on the eye!

10.2 : K Rabada to B Azam, Azam shows the angled bat this time to this one on a length outside off. Slight confusion between the batsmen before they finally pick up the single.

10.3 : K Rabada to Imam, A good length ball on off and slightly angling in, Imam was half-ahead in defense and the ball takes the inside edge and goes onto the pads.

10.4 : K Rabada to Imam, Hurled outside off on a length, Imam guides it wide of point for a single down to third man.

10.5 : K Rabada to B Azam, Bowls this on the pads, worked away for a single to deep square leg by the right-hander.

10.6 : K Rabada to Imam, A straight bat has been presented in defense by Imam to this length ball on top of off stump. 7 runs off this over, a decent one for the visitors.

Andile Phehlukwayo to bowl now.

11.1 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, Fuller length ball outside off, Azam cuts it away to the right of third man. A single has been taken. Good fielding there to keep it down to one.

11.2 : A Phehlukwayo to Imam, On the hips and worked away by the southpaw for a single down to deep backward square leg.

11.3 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, A length ball on off, Azam was looking to do something different there. Gets inside the line and tried to pull it away over mid-wicket but the ball came in and cramped him for room. Runs to mid on tamely.

11.4 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, Azam gets inside the line of the ball on middle once more and flicks it away to deep square leg for a single.

11.5 : A Phehlukwayo to Imam, Play and a miss! A length ball outside off, keeps a tad bit low. Imam tried to cut it away on the front foot but misses the ball completely.

11.6 : A Phehlukwayo to Imam, Wide! Sprays this one too wide outside off and it is penalised by the umpire.

A Phehlukwayo to Imam, Wide! This one is down the leg side this time. The 50 comes up for visitors courtesy this wide.

A Phehlukwayo to Imam, Almost! Gets a good line and also makes the ball bounce a bit more than normal. Imam was looking to dab it down to third man but he is beaten by the bounce and the ball flies inches away from the willow.

Tabraiz Shamsi comes on now.

12.1 : T Shamsi to B Azam, Flatter one on the pads, pushed on the front foot towards mid-wicket by Azam. A single has been taken.

12.2 : T Shamsi to Imam, Flighted outside off and a hint of turn, Imam pushes it towards cover.

12.3 : T Shamsi to Imam, Another flighted one outside off, Imam prods ahead and pushes it towards cover. Looks for the single which would have been fatal if gone for.

12.4 : T Shamsi to Imam, Flatter ball on middle, driven down to mid on by the lefty for a single.

12.5 : T Shamsi to B Azam, Slightly flighted on middle, Azam pushes this coming half-ahead towards long on. Shamsi dives to his right but cannot reach the ball, hence, can't prevent the single.

12.6 : T Shamsi to Imam, Shorter one outside off, punched off the back foot for a single to deep point. 50-run stand comes up between these two.

13.1 : K Rabada to Imam, Shorter length one outside off, guided down to third man by Imam for a single. Good, smart batting this without taking risks.

13.2 : K Rabada to B Azam, Another one outside off this time to the right-hander. He guides it to third man for a single.

13.3 : K Rabada to Imam, Bowls this one on the hips does Rabada, single down to fine leg ensues. A good flick shot.

13.4 : K Rabada to B Azam, A short of a length delivery outside off, Babar defends this one on his toes.

13.5 : K Rabada to B Azam, Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him.

13.6 : K Rabada to B Azam, Shorter one again from Rabada, pulled away to deep square leg for a single by Azam.

14.1 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, A length ball outside off, guided down to third man for a single by Azam.

0.0 : Change of ends for Andile Phehlukwayo.

14.2 : A Phehlukwayo to Imam, On the pads, worked away towards fine leg for a single.

14.3 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, A fuller one on middle, driven towards long on by the right-hander. A single is picked up.

14.4 : A Phehlukwayo to Imam, A length ball on the hips, worked away towards the fine leg fielder. The first one is run pretty quickly and they want the second but decide against it wisely.

14.5 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, On the money, above off stump. Defended back towards the bowler off the back foot.

14.6 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, Run down to third man for a single by Azam. Retains strike with that one.

15.1 : K Rabada to B Azam, Pitches it up and outside off, Babar drives it off his front foot but finds the mid off fielder.

15.2 : K Rabada to B Azam, A touch short and outside off, Babar stays back and taps it down to point.

15.3 : K Rabada to B Azam, FOUR! Good timing! It's uppish but in the gap! A length ball angling into the batsman, Babar gets forward and across before lifting his flick over mid-wicket for a boundary.

15.4 : K Rabada to B Azam, Straighter in line, clipped off the pads to mid-wicket for one.

15.5 : K Rabada to Imam, A little short and outside off, Imam tries running it down to third man but the gully fielder interferes with a dive to his left.

15.6 : K Rabada to Imam, Stays back to a length ball and punches it to covers.

16.1 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, Pretty full on off stump, Babar comes ahead and drives it towards mid on where Shamsi moves to his left and makes a good stop.

16.2 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, Wide! Sprays this one wide outside off by the bowler. Azam looks to cut but it is too far to make any connection. Wide signalled by the umpire.

A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, A length ball outside off, Babar opens the face of bat at the last moment. It runs to the third man fielder for a single.

16.3 : A Phehlukwayo to Imam, Defended by the southpaw towards the point fielder.

16.4 : A Phehlukwayo to Imam, Imam has flicked the ball off his pads. They pick up a single.

16.5 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, Azam drives through mid on for a single. Pakistan batting sensibly here.

16.6 : A Phehlukwayo to Imam, Imam comes down the wicket and hits it back down the ground towards long on. A single is taken once more. 5 runs in this over without any risks.

Drinks break. After the early loss of Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan have rebuilt well here. They are batting sensibly here. The run rate isn't the best but the good fact is that no wickets have been lost. How Pakistan play the spinners is what is important here.

17.1 : K Rabada to Imam, Play and a miss! Back of a length delivery angling away from the southpaw, Imam stands back to push inside the line but misses.

17.2 : K Rabada to Imam, Bouncer around leg, Imam ducks underneath it with his bat hanging like a periscope. Not a good technique, that.

17.3 : K Rabada to Imam, On a length around off, angling away, Imam stays back to play it down to point.

17.4 : K Rabada to Imam, Fractionally short on off, Imam goes on his toes and taps it down to covers for a quick single.

17.5 : K Rabada to B Azam, Width on offer outside off, Azam glides it down to third man for a run.

17.6 : K Rabada to Imam, Shortish and outside off, Imam remains inside the crease and dabs it to point. Tidy over by Kagiso.

18.1 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, Lands it on a length outside off, it's cracked away through covers for a run.

18.2 : A Phehlukwayo to Imam, Digs in a short ball on leg, Imam jumps out of the crease and pulls it in front of square leg for a run.

18.3 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, Pitches it up this time, outside off, Babar drives off the front foot but finds mid off.

18.4 : A Phehlukwayo to Imam, FOUR! That's a fine, fine shot! Wonderful footwork by Imam. He shimmies down the track to a length ball and smashes it over the bowler's head. Mid on and mid off are up, a boundary results.

18.5 : A Phehlukwayo to Imam, Straighter delivery, Imam flicks it through mid-wicket and rushes back for the second run. The throw from the deep to the bowler was quite wide, otherwise it would have been a tight second.

18.6 : A Phehlukwayo to Imam, Length ball outside off, it's dabbed down to third man for a run.

Tabraiz Shamsi is into the attack. A slip in place...

19.1 : T Shamsi to Imam, Flighted full ball on middle, it's eased down to long on for a run.

19.2 : T Shamsi to B Azam, Loopy and full around off, spinning back in, Babar gets forward and defends it near his front pad off the inside edge.

19.3 : T Shamsi to B Azam, Floated on off, pushed back off the front foot to the bowler.

19.4 : T Shamsi to B Azam, Flighted and outside off, driven back and Shamsi dived across to his left to make the stop.

19.5 : T Shamsi to B Azam, Fullish and on off, pushed off the front leg to covers.

19.6 : T Shamsi to B Azam, FOUR! That went like a bullet to the fence! Shamsi drags his length short around leg, Babar picks it early and quickly goes back to pull it thunderously through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep dives near the fence but to no avail. Fifty up for Azam, his 10th in ODIs. Continues with good form.

20.1 : A Phehlukwayo to Imam, Angles in a length ball on off, Imam plays it down with soft hands to cover-point and looks for a run. He is sent back quickly as Faf du Plessis has a shy at the striker's end. Misses and Imam dives back in.

20.2 : A Phehlukwayo to Imam, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.

20.3 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, Wide! Full in length and just outside the tramline, a knuckle ball, Babar decides late to make a leave.

A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, Keeps it full again, outside off, Babar pushes it back to the bowler who only manages to take the pace off. As a result, it slows down before the mid off fielder and they steal a run. Babar ain't happy with himself, he wanted to play it wide of the bowler and that fielder inside the ring.

20.4 : A Phehlukwayo to Imam, Offers width outside off, Imam slaps it to deep point for one.

20.5 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, Misfield in the deep by the debutant! Lands it full and outside off, Azam drives it through covers and Beuran in the deep fumbles while picking the ball. An extra run taken.

20.6 : A Phehlukwayo to B Azam, Plays an on drive but finds the fielder inside the ring. Dot ball to end the over.

21.1 : T Shamsi to Imam, Sliding down the leg side, Imam inside edges his attempted flick onto the pads and it goes wide of de Kock and falls in front of short fine leg. A run taken.

21.2 : T Shamsi to B Azam, Strides forward and defends it back to the bowler.

21.3 : T Shamsi to B Azam, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. They pick up a single.

21.4 : T Shamsi to Imam, Pushes a full ball with the spin through covers for a brace.

21.5 : T Shamsi to Imam, Quicker and fuller on leg, clipped in front of square leg for one.

21.6 : T Shamsi to B Azam, Flighted ball, full and on off, Babar presses forward in defense.

Dale Steyn is back into the attack.

22.1 : D Steyn to Imam, Too full in length and wide outside off, Imam reaches out for it and squeezes it towards backward point. Miller stretches forward to attempt for the catch unknowingly that it has bumped before. Smiles after that.

22.2 : D Steyn to Imam, Full and outside off, driven square of the wicket on the off side for a run.

22.3 : D Steyn to B Azam, Angles in a full ball on off, Azam brings down a straight bat and pushes it towards mid on.

22.4 : D Steyn to B Azam, Another delivery which is straighter in line, Babar works it off his pads but finds the mid-wicket fielder.

22.5 : D Steyn to B Azam, Fullish and on off, BA pushes it down to mid off and takes on Amla. They complete the run easily as Hashim fails to score a direct hit.

22.6 : D Steyn to Imam, 100-run stand comes up! Short and on middle, pulled down to fine leg for one. This pair is going strongly and has not looked much in discomfort.

23.1 : T Shamsi to Imam, Wide! Spinning down the leg side, Imam tries flicking but misses.

T Shamsi to Imam, Beaten! Full and outside off, turning away, Imam is forward in defense but gets beaten.

23.2 : T Shamsi to Imam, Short and wide outside off, cut to deep point for a couple.

23.3 : T Shamsi to Imam, Full and on middle, forced to long on for a run.

23.4 : T Shamsi to B Azam, Quicker one on middle stump, Azam gives room and cuts it away towards third man. They come back for the second. Shamsi though thinks it hits his pad before the bat so appeals. The umpire is unmoved.

23.5 : T Shamsi to B Azam, SIX! HUGE! Nice from Azam. Loopy ball on middle and leg, Babar gets low and swipes it high over square leg. The ball goes into the stands for a biggie.

23.6 : T Shamsi to B Azam, Keeps low on middle, Azam controls his pull to short mid-wicket.

24.1 : D Steyn to Imam, Imam opens the face of the bat and helps it to third man. They pick up a single.

24.2 : D Steyn to B Azam, Outside off again, Azam plays it towards third man to get to the other end.

24.3 : D Steyn to Imam, WIDE! Down the leg side, Imam tries flicking it but fails. Wide given by the umpire.

D Steyn to Imam, FOUR! 5th ODI fifty for Imam and he continues his amazing form in this format. What a way to get it. Short ball outside off, Imam hops and cuts it over point. The ball beats the man at third man and crosses the ropes. He has a good conversion rate in ODIs too.

24.4 : D Steyn to Imam, Bouncer! Imam does well to evade it.

24.5 : D Steyn to Imam, Length on the stumps, Imam blocks it from his crease.

24.6 : D Steyn to Imam, Length on the pads, turned away to square leg.

25.1 : T Shamsi to B Azam, Short on that that fourth stump line. Babar cuts it but is not happy as he hits it towards backward point. A little more on any side and that would be a boundary. They cross.

25.2 : T Shamsi to Imam, Fuller ball on middle and leg, played to mid on.

25.3 : T Shamsi to Imam, Looped up ball outside off, driven to covers.

25.4 : T Shamsi to Imam, Short and wide again, Imam cuts it with fast hands but the third man fielder cuts it off. They sprint and come back for the second.

25.5 : T Shamsi to Imam, Full on the stumps, Imam drives it towards mid on for a quick run.

25.6 : T Shamsi to B Azam, FOUR! Lovely short to end the over. Leg spinner dragged down. Babar rocks back and pulls this through mid-wicket for a boundary. 8 runs from it.

26.1 : D Steyn to Imam, DROPPED and FOUR! Oh dear! Shamsi has put down Imam at mid off. Back of a length ball outside off, Imam shimmies down and looks to slap it over mid off. He hits it to Shamsi there who cannot hold on to it. What adds insult to injury is that the ball cannot be stopped before the ropes and Imam gets a boundary for it.

26.2 : D Steyn to Imam, Outside off, the batsman was beaten and missed the line of the delivery.

26.3 : D Steyn to Imam, Back of a length outside off, Imam runs it down to third man.

Review time. Big moment in the game. Dale Steyn has caught Babar Azam leg before and the umpire has adjudged the batsman out. It's taken upstairs by Babar, but he looks to be in trouble here.

26.4 : D Steyn to B Azam, OUT! Three reds! Pakistan lose their review and what a time to get a wicket. He was deprived of one on the very first ball of the over, but no one could stop him on this occasion. Serves this on the leg stump, Azam shuffles across and looks to flicks it away but misses it. Steyn roars and the umpire raises his finger. Babar has a chat and takes it up but Hawk Eye doesn't help him. He has to walk back after a well payed 69. Partnership of 132 comes to a close.

Mohammad Hafeez walks out to the middle next.

26.5 : D Steyn to M Hafeez, Similar line just slightly on a shorter side. Hafeez tries to work it away but the ball hits him on his thigh pad.

26.6 : D Steyn to M Hafeez, Fuller this time on off, pushed to the cover region.

27.1 : T Shamsi to Imam, FOUR! A bit short outside off, Imam waits for it and cuts it fine. Gets it past the short third man and away to the fence. Good start to the over.

27.2 : T Shamsi to Imam, Short and wide again. Imam tries to do the same thing but gets beaten for bounce.

27.3 : T Shamsi to Imam, Pushed to the cover region by Imam. One run added to the total.

27.4 : T Shamsi to M Hafeez, FOUR! What confidence. Just faced a couple of balls before this and now takes on the in-field. Comes down the track and lofts this over mid off for a boundary.

27.5 : T Shamsi to M Hafeez, FOUR! Excellent batting! Knows where the fielders are and places his shot to perfection. Outside off, Hafeez cuts it to the vacant third man region and gets back-to-back boundaries.

27.6 : T Shamsi to M Hafeez, Hafeez has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total. 14 from the over, 150 up for Pakistan!

28.1 : D Steyn to M Hafeez, Hafeez has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

28.2 : D Steyn to M Hafeez, Gets forward to a full ball and defends it to the off side.

28.3 : D Steyn to M Hafeez, Edgy! Offers width outside off and tempts the batsman for a drive. Hafeez commits himself but gets a big outside edge wide of first slip. A single taken.

28.4 : D Steyn to Imam, Digs in a short ball on off, Imam leans back and ramps it down to third man. Just uses the pace of the bowler there. One more to the total.

28.5 : D Steyn to M Hafeez, Goes very full and in the line of the stumps, Hafeez brings his bat down in time to keep it out.

28.6 : D Steyn to M Hafeez, Dropped! Another off Steyn's bowling. Amla is the culprit there. A short delivery outside off, Hafeez flashes his bat at it and edges it behind at first slip. Amla reacts a bit late and then tries to catch it with his left hand. Fails to pouch and it goes down begging. Should have done better. Steyn vs Hafeez battle nearly saw the Professor going down yet again.

Beuran Hendricks comes back into the attack.

29.1 : B Hendricks to Imam, Helps it off his pads to the leg side, finds the gap and takes a run.

29.2 : B Hendricks to M Hafeez, FOUR! An overpitched ball around off, Hafeez drills his drive straight down the ground for a boundary. The mid off fielder had no chance to cut it off.

29.3 : B Hendricks to M Hafeez, Wide! Back of a length delivery sliding down the leg side, Hafeez fails to flick. It probably clipped his thigh pad but the umpire signals a wide.

B Hendricks to M Hafeez, Dropped? Just short. Short and outside off, angling away, Hafeez tries to cut it off his back foot but it takes a feather touch and goes behind. De Kock goes down low but it falls just in front of him.

29.4 : B Hendricks to M Hafeez, Short in length on middle, pulled behind square leg for two.

29.5 : B Hendricks to M Hafeez, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

29.6 : B Hendricks to M Hafeez, Helps a length ball off his pads to deep backward square leg for a run. 9 from the over!

30.1 : A Phehlukwayo to M Hafeez, A little short in length and outside off, Hafeez cuts but finds Miller at point.

30.2 : A Phehlukwayo to M Hafeez, Excellent footwork. Jumps out of the crease to a full ball outside off and lofts it over extra cover. The fielder in the deep circles around it and they take a couple.

30.3 : A Phehlukwayo to M Hafeez, A length ball angling down the leg side, Hafeez picks it off his pads and sends his flick shot to deep square leg for one.

30.4 : A Phehlukwayo to Imam, Pitches it up and outside off, Imam drives it through cover-point and takes a single.

30.5 : A Phehlukwayo to M Hafeez, A slower delivery, very full and dipping in outside off, Hafeez mistimes his drive to covers.

30.6 : A Phehlukwayo to M Hafeez, Good length ball on top of off stump, MH plays it out from the crease to covers.

Drinks break.

31.1 : B Hendricks to Imam, Just over the infield. Back of a length delivery angling into the batsman, Imam jumps out of the crease and mistimes his pull over mid-wicket. Two runs added to the total.

31.2 : B Hendricks to Imam, A touch short in length and outside off, Imam plays it late and guides it down to third man for a run.

31.3 : B Hendricks to M Hafeez, In the air but it's safe! Full and well outside off, Hafeez reaches out to it and lofts it over the leaping fielder at point for a boundary.

31.4 : B Hendricks to Imam, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. They manage to come back for the second.

31.5 : B Hendricks to Imam, Back-of-the-hand slower one outside off, Imam fails to pick it up and gets beaten for pace.

31.6 : B Hendricks to Imam, A little too straight in line, helped down towards fine leg for a single.

32.1 : A Phehlukwayo to Imam, Length delivery in line of the stumps, Imam stays inside the crease and offers a firm punch down to long on for a run.

32.2 : A Phehlukwayo to M Hafeez, Wide! Angles it down leg, Hafeez looks to flick it away but misses. Wide signalled.

A Phehlukwayo to M Hafeez, FOUR! Deftly done. Hafeez waits for this length ball outside off, opens the face and runs it down across the third man fence for a boundary. Nicely done.

32.3 : A Phehlukwayo to M Hafeez, Shaping back into the batsman, Hafeez works it away towards fine leg for a single.

32.4 : A Phehlukwayo to Imam, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.

32.5 : A Phehlukwayo to M Hafeez, Play and a miss! Back of a length outside off, Hafeez looks to cut it away late but is unable to make any connection.

32.6 : A Phehlukwayo to M Hafeez, Full and well outside off, the Professor reaches out to it, tries to drive but gets it off the bottom half behind to the keeper.

One Hendricks for another. Reeza into the attack now.

33.1 : R Hendricks to Imam, Good length delivery in the off stump channel, cut away through to sweeper cover. One run added to the total.

33.2 : R Hendricks to M Hafeez, Lands it on a length, cut to point for one more.

33.3 : R Hendricks to Imam, Full delivery coming back in on leg, Imam somehow manages to jam it out and play it towards the cover area.

33.4 : R Hendricks to Imam, FOUR! Neat stuff from Imam-ul-Haq. Uses his feet to step out of his crease and lofts it over covers for a boundary.

33.5 : R Hendricks to Imam, Safe! Hafeez survives. Imam taps this wide of cover and takes off. Miller there runs to his right, collects the ball and fires it to de Kock. Hafeez has to put a dive in as de Kock takes the bails off. Replays show the batsman is fine.

33.6 : R Hendricks to M Hafeez, Drives this fuller ball through mid on and keeps strike with a single.

Kagiso Rabada is brought back on.

34.1 : K Rabada to M Hafeez, Good running. Hafeez taps this well wide of the cover fielder and both batsmen complete a brisk run.

34.2 : K Rabada to Imam, Short ball into the body, pulled through square leg for a single.

34.3 : K Rabada to M Hafeez, At 140 clicks, it's a length delivery outside off, the right-hander dabs it away with an open face to point and gets to the other end.

34.4 : K Rabada to Imam, Too straight in line, easy enough for the opener to work it down to fine leg for one.

34.5 : K Rabada to M Hafeez, Back of a length and it's defended down on the leg side.

34.6 : K Rabada to M Hafeez, On the shorter side of things, Hafeez stays right behind the line and works it through mid-wicket for a single.

35.1 : R Hendricks to M Hafeez, Full length ball on off, slower in pace, it's reverse swept towards short third man and a single is collected.

35.2 : R Hendricks to Imam, Leans into this full delivery and eases it to long off. Single to the total.

35.3 : R Hendricks to M Hafeez, Close. Fuller and slower around off, Hafeez takes a step out and plays at it. It goes off the bottom half and behind to de Kock on the bounce. The keeper takes the bails off, but by that time the batsman is back inside the crease.

35.4 : R Hendricks to M Hafeez, SIX! What a hit. The 200 is up for Pakistan. Spinning into the batsman, some flight on it, Hafeez jumps out and slogs it over mid-wicket for a maximum.

35.5 : R Hendricks to M Hafeez, FOUR! Runs coming fast now for the visitors. Hafeez gets low to this floated ball and sweeps it square on the leg side for a boundary.

35.6 : R Hendricks to M Hafeez, A short delivery which has been pulled away. The batsmen have run through for a single. 13 off the over, a good one for Pakistan.

36.1 : K Rabada to M Hafeez, Full delivery angling in on middle and leg, worked to mid-wicket. Both batsmen set off and Hafeez has to slide his bat in as the throw comes in at the bowler's end. It's quite wayward though.

36.2 : K Rabada to Imam, Stays on the back foot and keeps it out solidly.

36.3 : K Rabada to Imam, Short of a good length outside off, cut square through the off side for an easy run.

36.4 : K Rabada to M Hafeez, This short ball is pulled into the leg side. Another run results.

36.5 : K Rabada to Imam, On the pads, nudged to fine leg for another single.

36.6 : K Rabada to M Hafeez, Dot ball to finish. Rabada with a full toss on off stump, it's hit straight back to the bowler.

Beuran Hendricks replaces Reeza Hendricks in the bowling attack.

37.1 : B Hendricks to Imam, Fuller length ball on middle and leg, Imam wrists this away just wide of mid on for a single.

37.2 : B Hendricks to M Hafeez, High full toss outside off, hit to covers where a misfield from Amla allows the batsmen to take a run.

37.3 : B Hendricks to Imam, Short ball angling down, pulled down to fine leg for a single.

37.4 : B Hendricks to M Hafeez, Rotating the strike well here. Hafeez pushes this back past the bowler and both batsmen cross over.

37.5 : B Hendricks to Imam, Full and coming in on middle and off, driven with a straight bat to the bowler.

37.6 : B Hendricks to Imam, Doesn't rise as much as Imam expects it to, so he mistimes this back of a length ball to mid-wicket with a pull.

38.1 : K Rabada to M Hafeez, Rabada goes full and attacks the stumps, driven to mid on for a quick single.

38.2 : K Rabada to Imam, That was super close. The fielder almost hit the mark. Imam taps it down in front of point and takes off. The ball is collected and swiftly throws it at the bowler's end. Had he hit, the opener was a goner.

38.3 : K Rabada to M Hafeez, Stays on the back foot and blocks it out.

38.4 : K Rabada to M Hafeez, FOUR! Brings up his fifty in style, the 36th in ODI cricket for Mohammad Hafeez. He works this fine down the leg side and sends it across the boundary line.

38.5 : K Rabada to M Hafeez, OUT! What a catch, Andile Phehlukwayo... take a bow, my man! A wicket was needed for South Africa, desperately, and Phehlukwayo pulls an absolute rabbit out of the hat to get the job done. Rabada bowls it full again, on the stumps, Hafeez smashes this aerially down towards mid on. Andile there, moves to his left and dives full stretch, Superman-like, and just plucks it out of the air. Could see this on loop all day. Superb stuff! Partnership of 84 is broken.

Shoaib Malik walks in next.

38.6 : K Rabada to S Malik, Malik works this away towards mid on and both batters set off. The throw comes in at the striker's end and a direct hit is scored, but Imam is in by then and the ball deflects off the stumps past the keeper. The batsmen steal an extra run.

39.1 : B Hendricks to Imam, Back of a length ball on off, Imam gets back and turns it in front of square leg for a single.

39.2 : B Hendricks to S Malik, A length ball on middle and leg, Malik helps it through square leg for a run.

39.3 : B Hendricks to Imam, A touch short and outside off, Imam cracks it off his back foot to backward point where Miller jumps and makes a fine partial stop. A single taken.

39.4 : B Hendricks to S Malik, Angles in a full ball on off, Malik helps it to mid on.

39.5 : B Hendricks to S Malik, Wide! Slips a length ball down the leg side, Malik tries flicking but misses.

B Hendricks to S Malik, Slower full ball around off, Malik pushes it gently to the off side.

39.6 : B Hendricks to S Malik, Very full and on off, pushed back to the bowler.

Powerplay 3 signalled. A maximum of 5 fielders will be allowed outside the ring till the end of the innings. Also, Tabraiz Shamsi is back on to bowl.

40.1 : T Shamsi to Imam, Fetches a short ball from outside off and drags a pull shot down to long on for a single.

40.2 : T Shamsi to S Malik, DROPPED! Not for the first time in this innings. Someone of Miller's ability should have taken it. Tossed up ball on middle, Malik tries to heave it over mid-wicket but it turns back in to take the inner half of his blade. It flies in front of square leg, Miller comes rushing forward, puts in a dive but fails to hold on. A single taken.

40.3 : T Shamsi to Imam, Short and around off, Imam forces it wide of long on for two.

40.4 : T Shamsi to Imam, Remains inside the crease and eases it through covers for one.

40.5 : T Shamsi to S Malik, Half tracker outside off, cut through point for a couple.

40.6 : T Shamsi to S Malik, A googly outside off, once again on the shorter side, Malik slaps it through point for one.

Andile Phehlukwayo returns to the attack.

41.1 : A Phehlukwayo to S Malik, Back of a length ball on off, Malik hangs back and pulls it to wide long on for a run.

41.2 : A Phehlukwayo to Imam, Imam has driven it through mid on. They pick up a single.

41.3 : A Phehlukwayo to S Malik, Fullish and outside off, pushed to covers where the fielder made a diving stop.

41.4 : A Phehlukwayo to S Malik, FOUR! Serves one on the pads, Malik picks it up and deflects it neatly to fine leg for a boundary.

41.5 : A Phehlukwayo to S Malik, Goes back and cuts it to point and crosses for a run. The fielder misses his shy at the striker's end and an overthrow results.

41.6 : A Phehlukwayo to S Malik, Fullish and on middle, helped out to mid-wicket.

42.1 : T Shamsi to Imam, FOUR! Good start to the over! Shamsi drops it short and on off, Imam turns and pulls it with full power to deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

42.2 : T Shamsi to Imam, 5th ODI hundred for Imam-ul-Haq! He has batted sensibly, constructed a few big stands and has put Pakistan on track for a big finish. Shortish delivery outside off, Imam stays back and pushes it through point and takes a single. He is ecstatic, jumps in the air and then gestures someone to shut up by putting his finger on the lips. Hmmm... Now, who needs to keep quiet?

42.3 : T Shamsi to S Malik, Half-tracker on middle, pulled to deep square leg for one.

42.4 : T Shamsi to Imam, Played to the point region by the batsman. They pick up a single.

42.5 : T Shamsi to S Malik, Knocks a full ball down through mid on and rotates the strike.

42.6 : T Shamsi to Imam, OUT! Century and gone! Got distracted, was busy gesturing to his critics and that put his concentration off. Anyway, a fine knock by him and he walks back to a good ovation from the crowd. Loopy full ball around off, turning away, Imam walks forward to loft it over covers but mistimes his shot in the air off the bottom half of his blade. It flies to sweeper cover where van der Dussen takes a good sliding catch. The 30-run stand comes to a close and it's Imad Wasim's job n

43.1 : A Phehlukwayo to I Wasim, Taps a short ball down to backward point and crosses for a brisk single.

43.2 : A Phehlukwayo to S Malik, Width on offer outside of, guided down in front of short third man for one.

43.3 : A Phehlukwayo to I Wasim, Fuller in length on off, driven through mid off for a single.

43.4 : A Phehlukwayo to S Malik, Slower short ball outside off, no pace on the ball, Malik dabs it down to short third man and jogs across for another single.

43.5 : A Phehlukwayo to I Wasim, Stays back to a shorter one, Wasim punches it in front of square on the off side for a run.

43.6 : A Phehlukwayo to S Malik, Advances down the track and slashes his pull shot by fetching a short ball from outside off. It goes down to long on and they cross.

44.1 : T Shamsi to S Malik, Loopy ball on off, on the shorter side, Malik moves back and plays it to cover-point for a run.

44.2 : T Shamsi to I Wasim, Play and a miss! Loopy again, wide outside off, Wasim swings and misses as the ball turns away.

44.3 : T Shamsi to I Wasim, EDGY FOUR! Tossed up ball on off, Imam clears his front leg for a heave across the line but it takes the outside edge and speeds wide of short third man for a boundary. Doesn't matter how they come as long as they come.

44.4 : T Shamsi to I Wasim, Forces a full ball through extra cover and returns for the second run.

44.5 : T Shamsi to I Wasim, Waits for the ball to spin away and taps it to the left of the short third man fielder for a run.

44.6 : T Shamsi to S Malik, Two wides! Spinning down the leg side, Malik fails to flick and de Kock also fails to collects. It goes behind off his gloves and they cross.

T Shamsi to I Wasim, Shortish and on middle, Wasim goes for the reverse sweep but finds Amla at short third man. Still a run is stolen.

45.1 : A Phehlukwayo to I Wasim, FOUR! Bang! Short and wide outside off, Imad absolutely loves that, he attacks it with all his power and bludgeons it to the cover fence. No chance for the deep fielder.

45.2 : A Phehlukwayo to I Wasim, Beaten! Knuckle delivery, wide outside off, Imad is deceived as he is early into the shot.

45.3 : A Phehlukwayo to I Wasim, Full and angling in on middle, it's pushed back to the bowler who collects it and mimes a throw.

45.4 : A Phehlukwayo to I Wasim, Goes aerial to a length ball but fails to connect properly. It falls in no man's land at long off and they take two.

45.5 : A Phehlukwayo to I Wasim, FOUR! Perfectly placed! Fuller and on middle, Wasim picks the line and length early, makes space for the swing of his arms and dismisses it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

45.6 : A Phehlukwayo to I Wasim, DROPPED AND FOUR! A chance has gone down for the umpteenth time in this innings. Have really lost the count now. Very substandard from the Saffas. A length ball around off, Imad speeds down the track and hammers it down towards wide long off. Reeza Hendricks tries to catch it but it bursts through his hands and goes on to meet the fence. 14 from the over!

Dale Steyn back into the bowling attack.

46.1 : D Steyn to S Malik, FOUR! Malik plays a beautiful lofted shot. He knows that mid off is up and soon as Steyn pitches it full on off, Shoaib goes the aerial route over the ring fielder.

46.2 : D Steyn to S Malik, Malik guides it to third man. They pick up a single.

46.3 : D Steyn to I Wasim, Short in length and on middle, Wasim stays back and plays an upper cut down to third man. Not enough timing and only a run is possible.

46.4 : D Steyn to S Malik, In the air... SAFE! Good length delivery outside off, Malik tries to power it over the leg side but it catches the top edge and falls in front of third man. A single taken.

46.5 : D Steyn to I Wasim, FOUR! Cracking shot! A full toss on off and Wasim packs a punch and slaps it past his partner to long off for a boundary.

46.6 : D Steyn to I Wasim, FOUR! Wasim is playing a handy cameo here. This time he has ramped a short ball down to third man and beats the fielder to his right. 15 from the over, 29 in last two.

Kagiso Rabada to bowl again.

47.1 : K Rabada to S Malik, FOUR! Hat-trick of boundaries for Pakistan! Short ball on middle, angling in, Malik stays back and muscles it behind square leg for a boundary. 50-run stand comes up in a quick time. 300 comes up as well.

47.2 : K Rabada to S Malik, Misses! Digs in a short ball on middle, Malik tries to hook but it goes over his head.

47.3 : K Rabada to S Malik, Yorker on off, dug out to the point region by the batsman. They pick up a single.

47.4 : K Rabada to I Wasim, Fullish and on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for one.

47.5 : K Rabada to S Malik, Swing and a miss! A slower one outside off, a touch on the shorter side, Malik is early into his shot and hence misses.

47.6 : K Rabada to S Malik, OUT! Finds the fielder at mid-wicket! Rabada follows the batsman down the leg side with a short ball and Malik tries to pull across the line. Fails to get enough elevation to go over the infield and Beuran Hendricks accepts an easy catch. Good contribution from Shoaib. Important in the context of the game.

Hasan Ali is the next batsman in.

48.1 : D Steyn to I Wasim, Shortish and around leg, Wasim moves back and taps it down to point for a run.

48.2 : D Steyn to H Ali, A cutter outside off, full in length, Ali is early into it and misses.

48.3 : D Steyn to H Ali, Shortish and on off, slower again, Hasan swings and misses.

48.4 : D Steyn to H Ali, Played to the point region by the batsman. They pick up a single.

48.5 : D Steyn to I Wasim, Shortish and on leg, Wasim pulls it towards short fine leg for a run.

48.6 : D Steyn to H Ali, OUT! Miller takes a ripper! He dropped one earlier in the match, a similar one, but this time he makes no mistake. Steyn delivers it short and outside off, Hasan makes space and swings his bat across the line. It catches the top edge and flies towards long on. Miller rushes forward from the deep, dives and takes a stunner inches above the surface. 10-0-43-2, Steyn leaves his impact in his return game.

Sarfraz Ahmed to bat next.

49.1 : K Rabada to S Ahmed, Full and on middle, Ahmed inside edges his attempted flick on the pads and it deflects to short fine leg for a run.

49.2 : K Rabada to I Wasim, FOUR! Drilled down the ground! Fuller and outside off at 141 kph, Wasim reaches out for it and spanks it down past mid off for a cracking boundary.

49.3 : K Rabada to I Wasim, Driven through mid on by the batsman. They pick up a single.

49.4 : K Rabada to S Ahmed, FOUR! Poor bowling. Bowls short and wide outside off with third man inside the ring. Sarfraz stays back and calmly lofts it over the fielder inside the ring.

49.5 : K Rabada to S Ahmed, Bangs it in short around off, Sarfraz is surprised by the extra bounce and takes his eyes off it. Attempts fending it off and it goes off the splice of his bat behind the stumps. A single taken.

49.6 : K Rabada to I Wasim, Full and on the pads, Wasim nudges it down to fine leg for a single. Pakistan end on 317/6!

A big score on the board for Pakistan. Almost every single batsman contributed to it. Electing to bat, they lost Zaman early, but the entire innings revolved around Imam and his century. He started by putting a 132-run stand with Babar (fifty), then added 84 with Hafeez (fifty) and 30 with Malik, before he eventually departed after getting to the triple-figure mark. Wasim entered the fray late and with his blitzkrieg, powered Pakistan to 317, which is their 3rd highest score in ODIs in South Afr

South Africa should and will be disappointed with the fact that they let the visiting side get to this score. They dropped countless chances of batsmen who made them substantially pay. Steyn was the pick of the lot, having picked up 2/43, and others too could have had better figures, if not for the dropped chances. Now, this is a good surface but it won't be easy by any means under the lights. Will the missed catches come back to haunt the Proteas? Let's see how the chase unfolds.