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2022 ICC T20 World Cup
Twenty20 International Format
Group 2
Pakistan v South Africa
Sydney Cricket Ground
Sydney, Australia
Thursday, 3 November 2022
South Africa will be looking to take control of Group 2 in the
2022 T20 World Cup when they face Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday, November 3.
The Proteas beat India by five wickets in Perth on Sunday to make it two wins from their opening three matches in the Super 12, which took them one point clear of the chasing pack in the group.
Mark Boucher's side limited the Indians to 133/9 in 20 overs, with Lungi Ngidi the pick of the bowlers after taking four wickets for 29 runs in his four overs.
David Miller led the charge with the bat and contributed an unbeaten 59 from 46 balls, which included a 76-run partnership with Aiden Markram for the fourth wicket as SA reached 137/5 with two balls to spare.
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Proteas captain Temba Bavuma admitted the uneven bounce favoured their bowlers and was pleased that his attacking field placing paid off.
"We were watching the games that were played here. Obviously it was risky but the variable bounce assisted us. We kept mid-off and mid-on up, which made us predictable but we backed ourselves," Bavuma said in his post-match interview.
"We came into the tournament as non-favourites and we will keep flying under the radar. We will keep improving and that's what we are doing."
The Shaheens need a victory in Sydney to keep their tournament hopes alive, having already lost to India and Zimbabwe before disposing of the Netherlands on Sunday.
Saqlain Mushtaq's men made light work of the Dutch, who were restricted 91/9 in their allotted 20 overs as Shadab Khan (3/22) did much of the damage with the ball.
In reply, the 2009 T20 world champions raced to 95/4 in the 14th over to win by six wickets and put their first points on the board in the group. Mohammad Rizwan fell just short of his 23rd half-century after being dismissed for 49 runs.
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam hailed an all-round performance from the team in Perth and says they will look to carry the momentum over into the clash with the South Africans.
"I am very happy. Team did well with the ball and bat," Azam said. "I think the length was crucial. They needed to bowl on a good length because there was bounce on the surface.
"Everyone executed well. We are used to chasing much better than this. Win always gives you confidence. We are taking the good things forward to the next game."
Head-to-Head (T20)
Matches - 21
Pakistan - 11
South Africa - 10
Draws - 0
No result - 0
T20 World Rankings
3 - South Africa
4 - Pakistan
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