Pakistan cruise to victory in 4th ODI to level series against South Africa
A dominant Pakistan cruised to victory in the fourth One-Day International (ODI) against South Africa at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday, levelling the five-match series 2-2.
Batsmen sealed the win for the green shirts with eight wickets in hand and 111 balls to spare. Opener Imam-ul-Haq led the chase with 71 runs to follow up on his century in the third game while Fakhar Zaman made 44 in their opening stand of 70 runs. Babar Azam then joined Haq for a 94 run partnership for the second wicket.
As Pakistan cruised to 168-2, Haq's wicket was taken one ball before the team clinched victory.
In the first inning, South Africa's lower order collapsed under a deadly onslaught from Pakistani bowlers, who restricted Proteas to 164.
Pakistan played today's match without skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed, who was handed a four-match suspension by the International Cricket Council for his 'racist' remarks during the second ODI last week. Shoaib Malik led the green shirts, while Mohammad Rizwan was called in to replace Ahmed. Rizwan hit the winning runs today by cutting a four away through point in the first ball he faced.
Read more: Sarfaraz handed 4-match suspension for breaching ICC's anti-racism code