Auckland: Pakistan clinched a thriller despite a heroic innings by AB de Villiers when they defeated South Africa by 29 runs in a crucial World Cup pool B match here.
Chasing 232 to win under the Duckworth-Lewis method at Eden Park, Pakistan claimed a third successive victory by bowling out the highly-rated Proteas for 202 despite captain AB de Villiers’ valiant 77.
Rahat Ali grabbed a career-best 3-40, Mohammad Irfan (3-52) and Wahab Riaz (3-45) as South Africa, chasing a revised target in 47 overs, were bowled out 33.3 overs.
South Africa also have three wins in five matches.
Pakistan’s innings, twice interrupted by rain before it was reduced to 47 overs, folded in 46.4 overs for 222 with skipper Misbah-ul-Haq scoring 56 and Sarfraz Ahmed making 49.
Dale Steyn took 3-30 off his 10 overs. -AFP
