Hasan Ali, spinners help Pakistan restrict SA to 219-8

David Miller’s composed half-century (75 not out off 104 balls) was the corner-stone of the South African innings as Pakistan pressed for its first win after losing to India by a massive margin last Sunday. Medium-pacer Hasan Ali returned impressive figures of 3-24 from his eight overs.

Hashim Amla and De Kock gave South Africa a decent start adding 40 for the first wicket but the introduction of spin halted the Proteas. Left-armer spinner Imad Wasim, who opened the attack against India, immediately made the breakthrough dismissing Amla, who went back attempting to turn the ball through the leg-side, missed the line and fell leg before. 

Off-spinner Hafeez then accounted for De Kock, who came down the wicket to hit a four and then perished in the same over two balls later as he missed a  slog sweep. De Kock’s 33 came off 49 balls. Imad gave Pakistan a crucial break when he had  South African de Villiers captain first ball. 

De Villiers played a loose cut and picked out Hafeez at point. After getting three wickets, Pakistan captain Sarfraz brought Hasan Ali into the attack. The medium-pacer struck immediately having Faf du Plessis awho dragged a ball outside the off-stump onto his stumps. 

Du Plessis made 26 off 44 balls. Hasan bowled a good line and never allowed the South African batsmen to settle. He sent back Duminy who edged a full one to slip and Babar took a brilliant diving catch low to his right. 

Hasan was on a hat-trick when he had Wayne Parnell who was bowled first ball and at this stage, Hassan had figures of 4-0-10-3. David Miller and Chris Morris repaired the damage. When Morris fell, going for a big heave off Junaid for Hasan Ali to take a simple catch, the 47-run seventh-wicket stand ended. Rabada stepped up the scoring rate with a quick 25.