Twitter Reactions: Pakistan hard done as a Reeza Hendricks-powered Proteas take 2-1 lead in the series through DLS method

South Africa had just one phase of brilliance in the third ODI against Pakistan and that was enough to seal the game for them. In a rain-marred encounter, the Proteas managed to edge out the visitors by 13 runs (DLS method) and thus took a 2-1 lead in the series. Reeza Hendricks, with a timely half-century, eclipsed the efforts of Imam-ul-Haq who registered his fifth ODI ton in the match.

Overall, Pakistan was hard done with the rain gods, not in their favour and would be gutted with the result of the match. They did everything right, from putting a huge total on the board to bowling well until the first rain break. But, their efforts fell short during the play between the first break and the second with Reeza Hendricks and Faf du Plessis completely dominating them. A decision to bat first after winning the toss, despite the rain prediction, could have potentially cost them the match.

Imam-ul-Haq becomes the second fastest to 1,000 ODI runs

After Pakistan opted to bat first, Fakhar Zaman found himself struggling yet again and got out for just two runs. But, two massive partnerships between Imam and Babar Azam first and between Imam and Mohammad Hafeez next got them placed in a very good partnership. Babar was at his usual consistent best and scored 69 off 72 balls before Dale Steyn dismissed him.

Hafeez, too, played a quickfire innings on the beautiful Centurion track and piled up 52 off 45 deliveries. Imam-ul-Haq went a step further and registered a century. In the process, he became the second fastest to 1,000 ODI runs. Handy cameos from Shoaib Malik and Imad Wasim helped Pakistan stretch the innings total to 317/6 in 50 overs.

Reeza Hendricks shows his class

In the chase, both Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla threw their wickets away after a good start. While de Kock was run out for 33, Amla got out for 25 runs. Then, Reeza Hendricks was joined by skipper Faf du Plessis in the middle. du Plessis decided to promote himself up the order ahead of Rassie van der Dussen.

When the first rain interruption came in after 16.5 overs, the Proteas were 88/2. Pakistan looked ahead in the game at this stage. However, after the break, Reeza Hendricks decided to shift gears and was ably supported by Faf du Plessis. He scored an unbeaten, quickfire 83 off 90 deliveries while Faf was unbeaten on 40. South Africa’s score was 187/2 in 33 overs before it poured down again. They were 13 runs ahead of the par score at this stage.

Twitterati was thrilled with South Africa’s win. Reeza Hendricks, whose place in the eleven was uncertain, might have sealed a spot for himself with this performance. The fans felt extremely bad for Pakistan who did almost everything right in a majority part of this game.

Here is how Twitterati reacted:

Get the latest Cricket News and updates from South Africa vs Pakistan series, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.