South Africa thrash Pakistan

South Africa have systematically thrashed Pakistan in Cape Town today, winning their fourth ODI in empathic style by 10 wickets.

The win can only be attributed to a scintillating Shaun Pollock performance with the ball. After Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat, Pollock dismissed opener Imran Nazir in the first over of the match. It was a sign of things to come.

Pollock dried up the runs and Pakistan had no idea where the next scoring opportunity would come from. Before long Pakistan were 2-6 after Kamran Akmal had been run-out in a mix-up between the batsmen.

South Africa relentlessly applied the pressure and did not allow any of Pakistan’s recognised and prolific batsmen to score freely. Younis Khan was out for 8, Mohammad Yousuf, 21. Shoaib Malik epitomized his sides efforts, gifting wicketkeeper Mark Boucher with his wicket. Boucher finished the day with a South African record of six dismissals during a one-day international. He also became only the fourth man in the history of the shorter form of the game to achieve such a feat.

Only captain Inzamam-ul-Haq was able to stand up to the South African bowlers, but eventually he ran out of partners as Pakistan collaped to be all out before the 46th over, their total a paltry 107 runs.

The South African bowlers, lead by Pollock were sublime. Each bowler took at least one wicket and together they limited the tourists to only nine boundaries throughout their entire whole innings.

In reply South Africa were never troubled and reached Pakistan’s total with ease and without losing a single wicket.

AB de Villiers and Graeme Smith piled on 50 and 56 runs respectively, in a innings that included 13 fours and 3 sixes between them. The home side reached the score at lightning pace, making 113 runs in just 14 overs with none of the Pakistani bowlers putting up much of a fight.

South Africa completed their innings in a little over an hour and it was their first ever 10 wicket win over Pakistan in the limited form of the game.

The victory comes at a great time for South Africa. Not only have they attained an unbeatable position in the one-day series but they come close to concluding their preparation for the world cup in impeccable style with all the pieces in their line-up falling into place.

Pakistan on the other hand are not so lucky. They will have to regroup and reassess the situation quickly with the World Cup right around the corner.

The last match of the series will be played in Johannesburg on Wednesday. A win to South Africa will see them take out the series whilst a victory to Pakistan will result in the series being tied and the trophy shared.

Pakistan 107
Inzamam-ul-Haq 45*
Shaun Pollock 2-13, Makhaya Ntini 1-20

South Africa 113/0
Graeme Smith 56, AB de Villiers 50

South Africa won by 10 wickets