Over 60s World Cup
Pakistan storm into Semi-finals
Pakistani beat back a strong South African challenge to enter the semi-finals of the first ever Over60s World Cup being held in Brisbane, Australia.
Though Pakistan were always ahead of their asking rate in chasing South Africa’s 201 but losing both set batsmen, Ghaffar Kazmi and Basharat in two balls suddenly put pressure on the Pakistanis. However, Saghir Abbas kept one end going as Pakistan lost seven wickets overall before they reached the target comfortably in the end with two overs to spare.
South Africa after winning the toss opted to bat first. They began firmly as the opening stand accumulated 56 runs. Both openers fell in quick succession before another partnership of 95 runs between Mark Tessendorff & Trevor Poole countered everything the Pakistanis bowled at them. Mark Tessendorff remained the highest scorer with his unbeaten knock of 74 runs as South Africa finished their innings on 201-4. Muhammad Yaqoob, Muhammad Ashraf & Syed Mansoor picked up 1 wicket each while Basharat conceded just 31 runs in his 9 overs.
Pakistan in their reply lost a wicket on the very first ball but then Basharat Ali Baber (44) had partnerships of 52 and 72 with Muhammad Ashraf Pakhali (29) and Syed Ghaffar Kazmi (43) respectively to provide the much necessary stability to the innings. Vivian Chamier in the end asked some serious questions with his pinpoint accuracy and Pakistan were suddenly 172-6 but the partnership between Saghir Abbas and captain Fawad Ijaz Khan culled any chance of South Africa getting back in the game. Though Fawad was run out he had done enough to put Pakistan back on the course of victory with some bold hitting. Saghir’s unbeaten 30 off 37 balls ensured that. Basharat Ali Baber was awarded ‘Player of the Match’ for his well-composed all-round performance.
Pakistan will now face hosts and favourites Australia in the semi final on Monday 12 September. The second Semi-final will be played between New Zealand and Canada on the same day.
In other matches played today in Pool A, Australia defeated Wales by a hefty margin of 134 runs while India won their match against Sri Lanka by seven wickets. In Pool B, New Zealand edged past Rest of the World team by 15 runs. USA beat West Indies by 35 runs.