South Africa 239 for 9 (Klaasen 86, Agha 4-32, Abrar 2-32) vs Pakistan
But after South Africa won the toss and opted to set a target in what look like idyllic batting conditions, Pakistan will firmly believe their job is half done.
Inside four overs, South Africa’s batting line-up – as well as their position of advantage – was cut to ribbons. It all began when Agha got one to skid into de Zorzi and trap him in front; no review was necessary. Rickelton chopped one on from him in his following over, but Agha would save his best for last. With the new batters suddenly unable to read him either off the pitch or out of the hand, Rassie van der Dussen and Tristan Stubbs played for turn that wasn’t there, and heard the rattle of their off stump being knocked back.
With Marco Jansen struggling badly throughout his innings, it was left to Klaasen to salvage what he could from what was left. Pakistan’s seamers were at their disciplined, spirited best, too. That stand between Jansen and Klaasen made it to 50, but Jansen managed a mere 10 off 27 balls, and only got that far thanks to the largesse of a dolly which Haris Rauf put down.
Klaasen tried to continue hammering away, and deserved a fifth ODI hundred; but Shaheen, too, deserved a wicket. It came via a beauty, seaming in and knocking back the middle stump of Klaasen; the rattle may well have been the final nail in the coffin for the hosts’ innings. Kagiso Rabada and Ottniel Baartman hobbled along for the last few overs, adding 21 for the ninth wicket, but Pakistan may feel they had inflicted the real damage by then.