T20 World Cup 2022: Updated Points table after PAK vs SA game

Match 36 of the Super 12 stage saw the all-important encounter between Babar Azam’s Pakistan and Temba Bavuma-led South Africa in the ICC T20 world Cup 2022 at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. The Asian giants comfortably won the contest by 33 runs (DLS) handing them their second win in the marquee tournament.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first as the side struggled picking up the hard lengths and lost four wickets swiftly that put them on the backfoot. The Men in Green saw a brief cameo from Mohammad Haris as he was up and running from the get-go but a zippy delivery from Anrich Nortje baffled the batter and made him move across but was hit in line with off stump and ball-tracking showed it was going on to hit.

However, the side immediately gained some stability through Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz, who put on 52 in 38 balls together. Towards the last two overs, Pakistan targeted Tabraiz Shamsi and Lungi Ngidi that handed the side 30 runs off the two overs giving them a competitive total of 185 in their stipulated 20 overs.

Pakistan stands on third place in Group 2

In response to the massive total set by Pakistan after an underwhelming start, Proteas skipper Bavuma had to hit the ground running. The skipper played few sublime shots and scored a 19-ball 36 before getting dismissed. Shadab Khan swiftly removed Bavuma and Aiden Markram and mounted the pressure back on the African side.

Meanwhile, the rain gods made their presence felt yet again in a South Africa fixture and the match officials handed the green light for DLS to come into play. Upon restart, 73 runs in the last five overs was the equation for the Proteas and they had to get the job done if they were to make something of the semi-final berth.

South Africa started off well, but the Pakistan bowlers were determined to dent the former’s chances of making it to the last four. Naseem Shah delivered a terrific death over laced with slower balls that got him a wicket and immediately pushed the required run rate for the batters. Pakistan sealed the win by 33 runs courtesy of the bowlers taking charge of the game. 

Here's how the Group 2 Points Table stands after PAK vs SA clash: