The Pakistan cricket team is facing South Africa in the triangular series, and the match has already provided plenty of drama. South Africa batted first and scored 352 runs in 50 overs, setting a massive target for Pakistan. The match also witnessed an on-field controversy between Shaheen Shah Afridi and Matthew Breetzke, a moment that quickly went viral on social media and cricket forums.
Shaheen Afridi vs Matthew Breetzke: Heated Moment in the 28th Over
South African opener Matthew Breetzke delivered a stellar performance, scoring 83 runs off 84 balls, including 10 fours and a six. However, his innings also saw an intense exchange with Pakistan’s leading fast bowler, Shaheen Afridi.
During the 28th over, on the fifth ball, Breetzke played a shot towards mid-on, which led to a verbal spat between him and Afridi. Shaheen Afridi was visibly frustrated as Breetzke ran through the center of the pitch multiple times. The left-arm pacer exchanged words and gave a fierce stare at Breetzke, who responded instantly.
The intensity escalated on the next ball when Breetzke took a quick single. As he ran, Shaheen Afridi deliberately stepped into his path, nearly causing a collision. The situation became so heated that the on-field umpires had to intervene, with South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma and Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan stepping in to ease the tension.
Shaheen Afridi’s Aggression Goes Viral
The video of Shaheen Afridi vs Matthew Breetzke fight quickly spread on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, with fans debating whether Afridi’s aggression was justified. Some argued that Afridi was maintaining intensity as Pakistan’s pace spearhead, while others criticized him for unnecessary behavior.
South Africa’s Batting Performance: Klaasen and Bavuma Shine
South Africa’s batting lineup dominated Pakistan’s bowling attack, with several key contributions:
- Temba Bavuma played a captain’s knock, scoring 82 runs.
- Heinrich Klaasen smashed 87 runs, continuing his explosive form.
- Kyle Verreyne remained unbeaten at 44 runs, anchoring the innings.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi took two wickets for 66 runs in 10 overs. Naseem Shah and Khushdil Shah also chipped in with a wicket each, but South Africa managed to post an imposing 352-run total.
Fans searching for Pakistan vs South Africa match highlights and Shaheen Afridi’s bowling performance today can find them on ESPN, Cricbuzz, and ICC’s official website.
Pakistan’s Tough Chase: 353 Runs Needed to Win
Pakistan now faces a massive challenge to chase 353 runs in 50 overs. To secure a spot in the triangular series final against New Zealand, they must bat aggressively and avoid early wickets.
Key Factors for Pakistan’s Chase
- Powerplay Performance: Pakistan needs a strong start from Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman.
- Middle-Order Stability: Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan must anchor the innings.
- Death Overs Acceleration: Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed need to finish strongly.
Can Pakistan Pull Off a Record-Breaking Chase?
Pakistan’s best chase in ODI cricket was 349 runs against Australia in 2022. If they chase 353 runs against South Africa, it will be one of their highest run chases ever.
Cricket fans can follow Pakistan vs South Africa live score updates on ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, and ICC Live Scorecards. For those looking for Pakistan vs South Africa match betting odds, platforms like Bet365 and E2Bangladesh provide real-time updates.
Final Showdown Awaits: Winner to Face New Zealand in the Final
The winner of this Pakistan vs South Africa triangular series match will advance to the final against New Zealand. With both teams eager to secure their spot, this high-scoring contest promises to be an edge-of-the-seat thriller.
Where to Watch Pakistan vs South Africa Live?
Cricket fans can stream the match on Willow TV, Hotstar, and official ICC platforms. Pakistan vs South Africa full match replay will be available on YouTube and ESPN+.
Conclusion
Can Pakistan chase 353 runs against South Africa, or will South Africa’s bowling attack dominate the second innings? Stay tuned for the final outcome of this exciting clash.
1. What happened between Shaheen Afridi and Matthew Breetzke in the match?
During the 28th over, Shaheen Afridi and Matthew Breetzke had a heated exchange after Afridi got frustrated with Breetzke running through the center of the pitch. The tension escalated when Afridi stepped into Breetzke’s path while he was taking a run, leading to an on-field confrontation. The umpires and players, including Temba Bavuma and Mohammad Rizwan, had to intervene to calm the situation.
2. How many runs did South Africa score against Pakistan in the triangular series match?
South Africa put up a massive total of 352 runs in 50 overs, losing only five wickets. Key contributions came from Matthew Breetzke (83), Temba Bavuma (82), Heinrich Klaasen (87), and Kyle Verreyne (44).*
3. What is Pakistan’s highest run chase in ODI cricket?
Pakistan’s highest successful run chase in ODI history was 349 runs against Australia in 2022. If they manage to chase 353 runs against South Africa, it will be one of their best-ever run chases.
4. Where can I watch Pakistan vs South Africa live?
You can watch Pakistan vs South Africa live on platforms like Willow TV, Hotstar, ESPN+, and official ICC streaming services. Highlights and full match replays will be available on YouTube, ESPN, and Cricbuzz.
5. Who will Pakistan or South Africa face in the triangular series final?
The winner of this match will play against New Zealand in the triangular series final. Both teams are fighting for a spot in the final, making this match a crucial contest.