CAPE TOWN: Debutants Bilawal Bhatti and Anwar Ali spurred Pakistan to victory after their team had been in deep trouble in the first one-day international against South Africa at Newlands yesterday.
The newcomers shared an eighth wicket stand of 74 to rescue Pakistan from a precarious 131 for seven, then shared five wickets as Pakistan won by 23 runs.
Pakistan made 218 for nine in their 50 overs after winning the toss. Despite a half-century from returning veteran Jacques Kallis, South Africa were bowled out for 195.
Bhatti (39) and Ali (43 not out) prospered after Pakistan’s recognised batsmen struggled against a strong South African pace attack.
Bhatti, 22, took three for 37 in South Africa’s innings, while Ali, 25, claimed two for 24, including the crucial wicket of Kallis, bowled for 50. Bhatti and Ali shared the Man-of-the-Match award and earned high praise from captain Misbah-ul-Haq.
“I am very happy, especially as the two youngsters set it up. The plan was to negotiate the new ball, then accelerate but we kept losing wickets at the wrong time. It was not a good total but the bowlers did really well,” said Misbah.
For the first time since South Africa began their rise to the top of the Test rankings, the hosts fielded all three of their leading fast bowlers - Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel - in the same one-day side.
With Kallis returning for his first one-day international since February 2012, South Africa applied relentless pressure as Pakistan struggled. But Bhatti and Ali, who have both scored first-class centuries despite primarily being picked as bowlers, went for their shots to keep their side in the game.
Steyn took three for 33 and Morkel three for 39, while Philander claimed one for 37.
Bhatti and Ali put on 74 off 70 balls. Bhatti made his 39 off 25 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes, while Ali hit six fours in a 55-ball innings. `AFP
