World Cup, Pakistan vs South Africa as it happened: De Villiers' heroics in vain as Pak clinch thriller

Misbah Ul Haq becomes the first Pakistani captain to beat South Africa in a worldcup game. What Imran and Wasim couldn't do

— Farooq (@frooq) March 7, 2015

Misbah Ul Haq becomes the first Pakistani captain to beat South Africa in a worldcup game. What Imran and Wasim couldn't do

— Farooq (@frooq) March 7, 2015

Sarfraz Ahmad has become only second wicket keeper after Adam Gilchrist to take 6 catches in a World Cup match. #PakvSA

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) March 7, 2015

Misbah-ul-Haq: This is a big win for us. Sarfraz played well and others played well too. We were 30-40 runs short, but the bowlers did their job. The bowlers went for the kill, the only chance was to get wickets and get the opposition all out. Beating South Africa, who are playing really good cricket, after that everybody believes now, the players, the team, can take a lot of confidence from it. When runs are on board, it is always pressure on the opposition.

AB de Villiers:  I never like to lose. We were shocking with the bat. We have been under pressure many times in the last few years and come out on top. I still believe we have the right group here to lift the trophy. It wasn’t easy batting under lights. It’s still, a good enough wicket to chase that down, no reason we shouldn’t have chased it down.

Sarfraz: I am very thankful to the world and Pakistan for this opportunity. I want to thank all those who supported me, including my family. This is my World Cup debut match, but Mushy bhai (Mushtaq Ahmed) had good words for me to encourage me and told me to go out and enjoy myself.

Sarfraz Ahmed is named the Man of the Match.

Most dismissals on World Cup debut:
6-Sarfraz Ahmed (Today)
5-Jimmy Adams (WI v Ken, Pune, 1996)#CWC15 #PakvsSA

— Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) March 7, 2015

Pakistan are now third in the table with 6 points but could still end up in a must-win situation against Ireland.

That’s it! Pakistan win by 29 runs (DL) method. What a win! 

It’s a length delivery outside off, a touch wide, Tahir chases and gets an outside edge to the keeper. The Pakistan players go wild in celebration. What a win. They didn’t have the best of totals to defend but their pacers Mohammad Irfan, Shoail Khan, Rahat Ali and Wahab Riaz just ripped through the South Africa batting line-up. Apart from Sohail, the other three took three wickets each. Sohail took the one wicket and it was the big one – that of AB de Villiers whose knock went in vain.

After 33 overs, South Africa 201/9 (Morkel 5, Tahir 0)

De Villiers was playing good calculated cricket. Hee is farming the strikes pretty well and giving Morkel just one or two balls to play. He smacked Sohail for a four wide of mid on and then hammered Wahab for a six and a four but Sohail got the big wicket. 24 runs and a wicket off the last three overs. 31 needed from 14 overs with jsut one wicket in hand.

OUT! BIG, BIG Wicket. Sohail Khan has de Villiers caught behind. South Africa 200/9 (32.2). (Morkel 5)

What a time to take a wicket. Sohail has had an average day so far but he takes the biggest wicket of the night. De Villiers dances down the track, Sohail shortens his length and delivers a back of a length delivery. De Villiers goes for a pull but gets a faint nick behind. They all go up in a huge appeal and the umpire raises his finger. De Villiers doesn’t wait. What a game this is turning out to be. 31 more needed with just one wicket in hand. 

Imran Tahir is the last man in.

AB de Villiers's tactics > LVG's tactics.

— Amreen (@goonergurl20) March 7, 2015

Great match between Chokers & Jokers.

— Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) March 7, 2015

After 30 overs, South Africa 177/8 ( De Villiers 56, Morkel 4)

It’s de Villiers vs Pakistan now. The former hit consecutive sixes off Afridi but then lost Abbott. Morne Morkel started off well with a four throuhg point. South Africa have taken the Batting Powerplay. 55 needed off 17 overs with 2 wickets in hand. it’s going down the wire……

OUT! Rahat strikes, Younis takes a very good catch in slips. KJ Abbott c Younis Khan b Rahat Ali 12 (19b 2×4 0x6)  South Africa 172/8 (29.2). (de Villiers 56)

Rahat is still getting some movement and he is making the most of it. It’s full outside off, Abbott looks to drive but gets an outside edge to second slip where Younis takes a very good low catch. 

Morne Morkel is the new batsman.

FIFTY for De Villiers!

De Villiers brings up his 50 off 45 deliveries with a six. He follows up with another 6 off Afridi. Four four and four sixes in his innings so far. What a player!

Pakistan would probably like to have this one back...

LIVE: http://t.co/uNSjCV5Hy2 #SAvPAK #cwc15 pic.twitter.com/eLMR9hyxbL

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 7, 2015

After 27 overs, South Africa 148/7 (De Villiers 38, Abbott 6)

South Africa still in with a chance with de Villiers at the crease. Abbott is playing sensibly unlike Steyn whose rush of blood cost him. Steyn bludgeoned a couple of arrogant fours off Irfan before perishing in the same over. Pakistan then wasted a review as an LBW appeal was turned down against De Villiers off Afridi. Impact was way outside off and hitting the 5th stump. 20/1 in the last five overs. South Africa need 84 from 20 overs.

OUT! Irfan gets his man! Steyn departs! DW Steyn c Sarfraz Ahmed b Mohammad Irfan 16 (17b 3×4 0x6). After 24 overs, South Africa 138/7 (De Villiers 35)

This is brainless cricket from Steyn, he hit a couple of fours off Irfan, with disdain but then went for one shot too many, he goes for a widld swing but gets an outside edge to the keeper. Why do such stuff when AB is going great guns at the other end?

Kyle Abbott is the new batsman.

AB de Villiers bats like a guy who grew up playing with cars parked on the offside

— Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee) March 7, 2015

AB de Villiers brings up 1000 runs in World Cups. He is joint-fastest to the landmark along with Sachin – 20 innings

After 22 overs, South Africa 128/6 ( De Villiers 35, Steyn 8)

De Villiers, slowly but surely getting into the groove. The wicket of Duminy hasn’t dented him. He flicks Wahab through mid-wicket for a lovely four and then shuffles across and flicks it over long leg for a six and then again shuffles way across and whips it over deep square leg. 34 runs off the last four overs includng the wicket of Duminy. 17 of them came off that Wahab over. Pakistan need to bring Afridi back now, he has dismissed De Villiers second- most number of times in ODIs – 5. Ajmal has the most – 6.

OUT! Brilliant captaincy from Misbah! JP Duminy c Wahab Riaz b Mohammad Irfan 12 (13b 2×4 0x6) . After 19.4 overs, South Africa 102/6 (De Villiers 16)

Misbah brings back Irfan and he strikes straightaway. Short oon off from Irfan, Duminy stays in his crease and looks to pull but gets a top edge to fine leg. Wahab settles under it and takes a very good catch. 

Dale Steyn is the new batsman.

After 18 overs, South Africa 94/5 ( De Villiers 15, Duminy 6)

De Villiers has tried to get a move on with a couple of lovely punches through covers for consecutive fours off Wahab. Duminy got off the mark with a crackign straight drive to get off the mark. De Villiers, however, survived a run out as they set off for a quick singles and the bowler Rahat missed his direct hit at the non-striker’s end. Rahat is bowling at a very good pace and darting in sharp bouncers. Wahab too is bowling good lines. 23/1 in the last five overs. South Africa need a big partnership here.

OUT! Rahat Ali removes Miller! DA Miller lbw b Rahat Ali 0 (13b 0x4 0x6). After 15.5 overs, South Africa 77/5 (De Villiers 4)

A yorker length delivery on middle and leg, nips away a tad. Miller is done in by the late movement as he looks to flick but misses. They all go up in a big appeal and the umpire raises hsi finger. Miller has a chat with de Villiers and then opts for a review. Replays show that it was crashing onto the stumps. It looked plumb to the naked eye. This is terrific bowling from Pakistan.

JP Duminy is the new batsman.

After 13 overs, South Africa 74/4 (De Villiers 1, Miller 0)

Brilliant fightback from Pakistan, they have scalped the big three wickets within the space of five overs. Wahab is ramping up good pace and bowling good lines. Rahat has been impressive too. South Africa have been bogged down as they scored just 13 runs for 3 wickets. However, the have their NEO – De Villiers still at the crease and he aong with Miller need to build a big partnership here. Miller has been in decent tough in this tournament.

OUT! Wahab gets another one! South Africa in trouble. RR Rossouw c Sohail Khan b Wahab Riaz 6 (9b 1×4 0x6). After 12.2 overs, South Africa 74/4 (de Villiers 1)

Short on off from Wahab, Rossouw stays in his crease and looks to hook but it gets big on him. He gets a top edge to fine leg where Sohail Khan grabs a good catch. This is a terrific fightback from Pakistan. From 67/1, they are 74/4. 

Dvid Miller is the new batsman.

OUT! Wahab strikes with his first ball. He removes the dangerman Amla! HM Amla c Sarfraz Ahmed b Wahab Riaz 38 (27b 9×4 0x6) . After 10.1 overs, South Africa 67/3 (Rossouw 0)

Length delivery outside off from Wahab, nips away. Amla pokes at it and gets an outside edge, Sarfraz dives full length to his right and pouches a FANTASTIC catch. THe umpire checks whether the catch was clean and replays show that indeed it was clean. No way Umar Akmal would have caught that as a keeper!

AB de Villiers is the new batsman.

OUT! Against the run of play, Du Plessis departs! F du Plessis c Sarfraz Ahmed b Rahat Ali 27 (29b 3×4 1×6) . After 9.3 overs, South Africa 67/2 (Amla 38)

Good length delivery on off, it nips away sharply. Du Plessis is a tad squared up and gets an outside edge to the keeper who makes no mistake. Against the run of play, Du Plessis departs. A much-needed breakthrough for Paksitan. 

Rilee Rossouw is the new batsman.

After 8 overs, South Africa 61/1 (Amla 32, du Plessis 27)

Terrific counterattack from South Africa, Amla is dealing jus tin boundaries. He cracks three fours off Sohail Khan in the 6th over. An then a couple off Irfan in the next over. He’s playing the punches, silken drives, classy flicks and the odd pull shot really well. Du Plessus the gets into the act as he gets a six off a top edge off Rahat and then flicks one behind square leg for a four.  38 runs scored in the last three overs! Amla has 32 runs and all in boundaries – 8 fours so far!

Amla isn't driving 4X4....it's 8x4 for him. All fours in 32 against a decent new ball attack in New Zealand

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 7, 2015

Amla overtakes Gayle (279) to become the top run-getter in World Cup so far.

After 5 overs, South Africa 23/1 (Amla 12, Du Plessis 9)

Pakistan have started extremely well here! Irfan is bowling beautifully. Even Sohail Khan has got off to a good start. He beat Du Plessis’ outside edge edge and then cut Amla into half. But the proteas have hit four fours in first five overs. Amla with a trickle to fine leg, a square drive and a punch through covers and Du Plessis with a straight drive. Irfan getting good swing and carry. A huge LBW shout is turned down agains Du Plessis as he shuffles way across and misses his flick. But it seemed a tad high.

Du Plessis absolutely demolishes the stumps while trying to complete a quick single.

De Kock’s scores in this World Cup – 7, 7, 12, 1, 0!

OUT! Irfan gives Pakistan perfect start! Q de Kock c Sarfraz Ahmed b Mohammad Irfan 0 (2b 0x4 0x6). After 0.2 overs, South Africa 0/1 (Amla 0) 

What a delivery from Irfan! Good length delivery on off, nips away sharply. de Kock is squared up and gets an outside edge. The keeper makes no mistake. A perfect delivery. Nothing much de Kock could have done. 

Faf du Plessis is the new batsman.

Pakistan bating collapsed 4 times in last 9 ODIs vs South Africa:

5-10 Auckland today
5-23 Sharjah
5-10 Abu Dhabi
5-17 Sharjah

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) March 7, 2015

Right then! The South African Openers – Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock have made their way out to the middle. Mohammad Irfan will start off proceedings for Pakistan. The REVISED TARGET FOR SOUTH AFRICA IS 232!

That’s it! Pakistan all out for 222!

Three things that are certain in life – Death, Taxes and Pakistan collapses. The rain break didn’t help and Pakistan lost 25/5 in six overs after the rain break. They lost their last five wickets for 10 runs. The departure of Afridi after the break proved to be the turnng point. Misbah departed at a crucial juncture and Pakistan never really got the momentum going. The pakistan captain was the lone fighter again with 56 from 86, Sarfraz played a good knock of 49 off 49 balls. Pakistan need to bowl out of their skins to win this match now!

Misbah's half centuries are like the Arjuna award. Comes late, deserves respect but is worthless.

— Gabbar (@GabbbarSingh) March 7, 2015

OUT! Steyn has his 3rd wicket! Rahat Ali c Imran Tahir b Steyn 1 (6b 0x4 0x6) . After 45.2 overs, Pakistan 221/9

A tad full outside off from Steyn, tailing away. Rahat clears his front foot and looks to go downtown but ends up mistiming it to mid off. 

Mohammad Irfan is the last man in.

After 45 overs, Pakistan 220/8 (Sohail 2, Rahat 1)

The rain breaks haven’t helped Pakistan. They have totally lost it int he last five overs. Afridi hit a four and a six but then departed. Wahab departed for a golden duck and the big blow of Misbah made sure that Pakistan would look to play out the full quota without taking too many risks. 24/3 in the last five overs. Just 8 runs scored in the last three.

45 out of 106 innings since MoYo's last match Pakistan have failed to bat out their quota of overs. 46 in 107 coming soon.

— Hassan Cheema (@mediagag) March 7, 2015

OUT! Big Blow for Pakistan! Misbah-ul-Haq c Morkel b Steyn 56 (86b 4×4 0x6) . After 43.5 overs, Pakistan 218/8 

Steyn gets the big one. Short of a length delivery outside off, Misbah stays in his crease and upper cuts it straight to Morkel at third man who does well to keep his balance. South Africa have hit back hard after the rain break. 

Rahat Ali is the new batsman.

OUT! Another one bites the dust! Wahab departs! Wahab Riaz lbw b Imran Tahir 0 (1b 0x4 0x6). After 42.1 overs, Pakistan 212/7 (Misbah 55)

A golden duck for Wahab – the last match hero. It’ quicker on off, skids on after landing. Wahab gets down for the sweep but is beaten by the pace. He misses and gets hit on the pads. The umpire raises the finger on appeal. Wahab has a word with Misbah and opts for a review. Replays show it was clipping off. Umpire’s call. 

Sohail Khan is the new batsman.

Shahid Afridi became just the 4th player to record 8000 ODI runs for Pakistan with that six!

OUT! Boom & Bust! Shahid Afridi c Duminy b Steyn 22 (15b 1×4 2×6). After 41.4 overs, Pakistan 212/6 (Misbah 55)

Afridi hits Steyn for a six and then holes out in the deep. Afridi pulls the first short ball over deep mid-wicket for a six, it’s a mishit but still travels the distance. He then goes for another pull but top edges it to deep square leg where Duminy makes no mistake. 

Wahab Riaz is the new batsman.

Right back after the break…….It’s a 47 over a side match. The Sun is out.

Play to start in 20 minutes. Game reduced to 47 overs-a-side....10 minute break between innings

— stuart hess (@shockerhess) March 7, 2015

In Pakistan they're reporting, Match delayed by Misbah.#SAvPAK

— Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) March 7, 2015

"If #PAK do not bat again, then #SAF will be looking to chase down a total of 240 in 40 overs as per Mr Duckworth & Lewis" reports #Cricinfo

— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) March 7, 2015

Only two Pakistan batsmen have scored four 50s in a World Cup - Javed Miandad in 1992 and Misbah-ul-Haq in 2015. #cwc15

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) March 7, 2015

RAIN STOPPAGE! And…It’s started raining again. The players are off the field, it’s pouring down.

After 40 overs, Pakistan 196/5 (Misbah 50, Afridi 11)

A very good Batting Powerplay for South Africa. 28/1 int hat period. Pakistan have been jolted by regular wickets and haven’t got the momentum going. Afridi has tried to slog but to no avail. With showers round the corner. Pakistan would look to up the ante from now on.

FIFTY for Misbah!

Misbah gets to his 42nd ODI fifty off 73 balls. Four fours in his innings so far. Can he get that elusive hundred today?

Right! Play about to resume. Tahir is brought back into the attack. Misbah & Afridi are at the crease.

Play to resume at 5pm. In 11min. No overs lost. Innings break reduced to 30min. #SAvPak #CWC15

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) March 7, 2015

Could easily see the end of the innings...depends on the umpires mood I guess... #cwc15 #savpak

— Innocent Bystander (@InnoBystander) March 7, 2015

Umar Akmal have more foundation on his face than in his batting. #PakVsSA

— Nasir Jamshed (@NasirJamshed_) March 7, 2015

Oh dear! It has started raining in Auckland and the covers are coming on………………………………

OUT! Another start thrown away by Umar Akmal! Umar Akmal c de Villiers b Morkel 13 (20b 2×4 0x6) , After 37.5 overs, Pakistan 175/5 (Misbah 40)

Short on off from Morkel, Akmal rocks back and looks to pull but it gets big on him and he ends up mistiming it to mid-wicket. De Villiers back peddles and takes a very good catch. He gives a shock reaction, it seems that he was blinded by the lights. A wicket at a crucial juncture for South Africa. 

Shahid Afridi is the new batsman.

After 35 overs, Pakistan 167/4 (Misbah 37, Umar 8)

Things have slowed down considerably after the Maqsood wicket. In the last five overs, there has been just two boundaries. Umar Akmal got off the mark with a risky boundary over wide mid on. Both the batsmen content with singles from then on. 20/1 in the last five overs. Misbah is playing his typical calm innings. We have the Batting Powerplay now and we can expect Umar Akmal to attack while Misbah can deal in singles. A crucial period coming up.

Oldest players at reaching 5000 ODI Runs:

Misbah-ul-Haq (40y 283d)
Gorgon Greenidge (39y 196d)
Mike Hussey (36y 268d)#cwc15 #PakvSA

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) March 7, 2015

OUT! Soft dismissal for Maqsood! Sohaib Maqsood c Rossouw b Abbott 8 (16b 1×4 0x6). After 32 overs, Pakistan 156/4 (Misbah 34)

Good length delivery outside off from Abbott, Maqsood stays in his crease and cuts it straight to the point fielder. Abbott is delighted with that wicket. Maqsood was struggling against the pacers and he departs. 

Umar Akmal is the new batsman.

After 30 overs, Pakistan 147/3 (Misbah 26, Maqsood 8)

While De Villiers has taken a wicket, he is going for an odd boundary every over. Misbah smashes a full toss off him through cow corner for a boundary. Maqsood starts off well with a lovely drive through mid on for four off Morkel. But then Morkel bounces back and beats Maqsood’s outside edge on a couple of occasions. Abbott follows up with a good over and he too beats Maqsood’s outside edge. Maqsood is looking a tad scratchy outside off. 21/1 in the last five overs. Misbah has carried forward his good form it seems and looks confident out in the middle. Pakistan need to steady the ship now.

"De Villier can bat, ball, wicketkeep, field. Is anything he can no do?" Waqar say.
"That shot Younis just do" I say. #PakVsSA

— Nasir Jamshed (@NasirJamshed_) March 7, 2015

AB de Villiers ODI victims
Tom Latham
Trent Boult
Aaron Finch
John Mooney
Younis Khan #PakvsSA#CWC15

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) March 7, 2015

OUT! De Villiers’ golden arm strikes to remove Younis! Younis Khan c Rossouw b de Villiers 37 (44b 4×4 0x6). After 26.4 overs, pakistan 132/3 (Misbah 19)

Length delivery on off, an innocuous one. Younis stays in his crease and looks ot turn it to the leg side from outside off, he is early into the shot and gets a leading edge to extra cover where the fielder makes no mistake. Younis was looking promising but throws away his start. 

Sohaib Maqsood is the new batsman.

After 25 overs, Pakistan 126/2 (Younis 35, Misbah 15)

After just 8 runs off the fours overs, Younis ups the ante with a couple of fours off de Villiers. De Villiers is not having a good time bowling and is being hit for a plenty. He’s too short and Younis at first flicks it over square leg for a four and then pulls it over mid-wicket. 19/0 in the last five overs. These two are the most experienced batsmen and would look to stitch a big partnership from here on.

Misbah reaches 5000 ODI runs, he becomes 12th Pakistan batsman to reach that milestone.

After 20 overs, Paksitan 107/2 (Younis 28, Misbah 5)

Things have slowed down a bit after the Sarfraz wicket. Younis is plying the spinners well though and both he and Misbah are looking to rotate the strike pretty well. Younis cuts one off Tahir past short third man for a boundary. Steyn, meanwhile, seems to be having some discomfort with his leg and is off the field. 38/1 in the last five overs.

OUT! Sucidal 2nd run brings the downfall of Sarfraz! Sarfraz Ahmed run out 49 (49b 5×4 3×6) . After 16.4 overs, Pakistan 92/2 (Younis 19)

Sarfraz chips down the tack and clips it behind square leg, his is on 48 and charges for a single and then goes for a suicidal second run. Miller in the deep responds with a flat throw, de Kock whips the bails off as Sarfraz dives in. But replays show he was way short. A very good innigns comes to an end. 

Misbah-Ul-Haq strides out to the middle.

After 16 overs, Pakistan 90/1 (Sarfraz 48, Younis 18)

Sarfraz is on fire!

Sarfraz goes berserk as he charges down the track and hammers three sixes off Duminy. All of them over deep mid-wicket and that too clean hits. 21 runs off the over. This is very good stuff from Sarfraz. Started off cautiously and now taking on the part-timers.

After 15 overs, Pakistan 69/1 (Sarfraz 30, Younis 18)

Two of the best players of spin bowling at the crease and Tahir might be in for a tought time. Younis has got off to an aggressive start and Sarfraz is looking to be positive too. Younis and Sarfraz get one four off Tahir each and then De Villiers makes a bizarre decision of bringing himself on to bowl in the 12th over. He is too short and the batsmen punish him with a couple of fours to bring up Pakistan’s 50. Sarfraz then trickles one to fine leg for another four. De Villiers then brings on Dumny to bowl who bowls who gives away 4 singles in his first over.  Sarfraz then cuts one wide of shot third man off Tahir for a four. Both the batsmen taking a very aggressive approach against the spinners. 33 runs off the last 5 overs.

After 10 overs, Pakistan 35/1 (Sarfraz 10, Younis 4)

South Africa fighting back. Morkel is brought into the attack and straightaway he ramps good pace and bounce. Pakistan batsmen have been cautious but it’s a good strategy considering the fact that the conditions are overcast. Shehzad has looked confdent and smashes a pull off Abbott over mid-wicket and then drives him straight back past Abbott for another boundary before being caught magnificently by Steyn off the next ball. 18/1 int he last 5 overs. 47 DOT BALLS IN THE FIRST 10 overs for Pakistan. They were doing well but the loss of Shehzad has dented them!

What a catch from Steyn to get that first breakthrough! LIVE: http://t.co/BzfMWomRVF #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/WamhwpXr0c

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 7, 2015

OUT! Steyn takes a stunner to send back Shehzad! Ahmed Shehzad c Steyn b Abbott 18 (30b 4×4 0x6). After 8.4 overs, Pakistan 30/1 (Sarfraz 10)

What a catch. Breahtaking. It’s a touch full from Abbott, Shehzad shuffles and looks to loft it over mid on but doesn’t time it well. Steyn at mid on, runs backwards, then sidewards, then dives to his right and pouches a stunning catch. He goes down on ground and manages to hold on to it despite the impact on the ground. He sits down and has his arms outstretched saying as if " yeah man! I can do anything". The Pakistan dressing room can’t believe it!

Younis Khan is the enw batsman.

After 5 overs, Pakistan 17/0 (Shehzad 8, Sarfraz 8)

A lively start to the game. Steyn bowls a lovely first over and beats Sarfraz’s outside edge on a couple of ocassions. Sarfraz then survives a run out chance as Miller does brilliantly at silly mid on but misses his direct hit at the non-striker’s end with a slight confusion among the batsmen. Had that hit, Sarfraz would have been back in the pavilion. Sarfraz then gets off the mark as he shuffles way across and flicks it through square leg off Abbott.  Shehzad then gets off the mark with a lovely drive through mid off. Pakistan have their highest opening partnership in the World Cup.  Steyn nearly has Shehzad as the latter gets an inside edge which flies over the stumps.

Right then! The Pakistan Openers – Ahmed Shehzad and Sarfraz Ahmed have made their way out to the middle. Dale Steyn will start off proceedings for South Africa.

PITCH – It looks a magnificent cricket pitch. But the overcast conditions will make the captains think about bowling first. It’s a good chasing ground.

STAT – Pakistan have lost 7 out of their last 10 matches against South Africa.

SA XI: Amla, de Kock, du Plessis, de Villiers,  Rossouw, Miller, Duminy, Steyn, Abbott, Morkel, Tahir

PAK XI: Shehzad, Sarfraz, Younis, Misbah, Sohaib, U Akmal, Afridi, Wahab, Sohail, Rahat, M Irfan

TOSS – South Africa have won the toss and ELECTED TO BOWL. One change for them as Duminy comes back in place of Behardien. Two changes for Pakistan as Younis Khan and Sarfraz Ahmed replace Haris Sohail and Nasir Jamshed.

Ball is swinging nicely at warmups! Expect that to be a big factor. Even though boundaries are short straight bowlers must pitch it up!

— Mike Haysman (@MikeHaysman) March 7, 2015

World Cup: Steyn on the difficulties of being a bowler and how to stop De Villiers – Firstposthttp://www.firstpost.com

Pakistan will seek a huge improvement in their batting against a fierce South African attack which includes Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Kyle Abbott.

The pace attack is backed by wicket-taking leg-spinner Imran Tahir who has nine wickets in four matches.

South Africa, who can make the quarter-finals with a win, will have JP Duminy fit again after missing the last two games due to a side strain. He is likely to replace Farhan Behardien.

Pakistan hope their resurgence in the World Cup continues against South Africa at Eden Park on Saturday with the Proteas’ coach warning of the Asians’ “predictable unpredictability”.

The 1992 champions need a victory to keep their hopes alive for a quarter-final place after losing their first two games before winning the next two.

Slow Shehzad needs to provide a kickstart to Pakistan’s sputtering top order – Firstposthttp://www.firstpost.com

Hello and welcome to the coverage of the 29th match of the World Cup between Pakistan and South Africa in Auckland. Match starts at 6.30 AM IST. Follow this space for live scores and updates.