Pakistan cricket team fired a strong warning to arch-rivals India ahead of their Champions Trophy clash. Rizwan and co. completed their highest successful run-chase in ODIs as they smothered South Africa in the Tri-Nation series tournament. After losing the first game to New Zealand, Pakistan bounced back in an emphatic fashion against the Proteas. The high-octane IND vs PAK clash in the Champions Trophy will take place on February 23 in Dubai.
Pakistan’s warning to India ahead of Champions Trophy
Pakistan managed to post 355 runs in response to South Africa’s 352-run target in Karachi. Hundreds from skipper Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha powered Pakistan to a 6-wicket victory over the Proteas. The team has now booked their berth in the final of the Tri-Nation series. Pakistan got off to a strong start in the run-chase with openers Fakhar Zaman (41) and Babar Azam (23) stitching together a fifty-run partnership.
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Zaman has looked in good touch since making his comeback to the Pakistan team ahead of Champions Trophy. Babar, on the other hand, has not managed to break free from shackles of poor form despite being promoted as the opener. Saud Shakeel (15) failed to fire in the run-chase as well. It was then Rizwan (122) and Agha (134) who took it upon themselves to finish the run-chase for the hosts. Combined, the duo struck 25 fours and five sixes, taking apart the Proteas bowlers.
Captain Rizwan stayed unbeaten till the end to see Pakistan across the line with a six off the final delivery.
In the 1st innings, Pakistan’s bowlers were also taken to the cleaners by the South African batters. However, unlike the hosts, none of the batters could manage to score a century. Instead, Bavuma (82), Breetzke (83) and Klaasen (87) were all stranded in the 80s. With contributions coming from all batters except Mulder, SA managed to reach 352 runs. However, that wasn’t enough as Pakistan completed their highest run-chase.
