Wisden
 

Pakistan v South Africa

At Lahore, November 2 (day/night). South Africa won by nine runs. Toss: Pakistan.

Given that South Africa lost their third wicket at 192 and Pakistan at nought, this was an extraordinarily close finish. Pollock jolted Pakistan's pursuit of 272 with the wickets of Saeed Anwar, Aamir Sohail and Ijaz Ahmed for ducks in his opening over. He added Shahid Afridi in the fifth over, leaving Pakistan a desperate nine for four. But Inzamam-ul-Haq and Moin Khan, playing as a batsman while Rashid Latif returned behind the stumps, launched a rearguard action, adding 133 in 29 overs. And then Azhar Mahmood hit a blistering 59 not out off 43 balls to carry Pakistan within ten runs of victory. South Africa's total centred on Kirsten, who shared successive stands of 90 with Klusener and 98 with Cullinan. But Wasim Akram clean bowled the last three batsmen in an over to prevent a late assault.

Man of the Match: S. M. Pollock.

© John Wisden & Co