Pakistan beat South Africa after Nail bitting finnish in 2nd ODI to win Series

Pakistan held their nerve to complete a one-run victory in the second ODI against South Africa in a nail-biting thriller that went down till the very last ball, ESPNCricinfo reported Wednesday.

Earlier, Pakistan rode on opener Ahmed Shehzad’s brilliance to post a daunting target of 263 runs.

Rain had delayed start of play, forcing umpires to reduce the match to 45 overs a side.

After South Africa won the toss and sent Pakistan in to bat, Steyn struck with Nasir Jamshed’s wicket in the very first over.

Vice captain Mohammad Hafeez once again gifted his wicket to Dale Steyn yet again, in what happens to be his 15th dismissal off the pacer in 20 matches.

In stark contrast, Ahmed Shehzad unfurled a lovely array of shots to complete the third ODI century of his career consisting eight fours and two majestic sixes. He was run-out on 102 runs from 112 balls.

Sohaib Maqsood scored 42 runs while captain Misbahul Haq continued his dry streak with a score of 12. Under pressure all rounder Shahid Afridi managed only 11 runs.

At this point, Umar Akmal came out in a punishing mood and blasted 42 runs from just 30 deliveries with the help of four fours and two sixes.

He was helped by Bilawal Bhatti, who struck three boundaries in one Dale Steyn over. On the last ball of the over, though, Steyn got the better of of Bhatti to send him back to the pavilion for 21 runs.

The match was not without its controversy.

Anwar Ali was adjudged out in one of Steyn’s overs for ‘obstructing the field’, the act of intentionally changing direction as a way to block a fielder’s throw.

Steyn ended the innings with a career-best bowling figures of taking six wickets while conceding 39 runs.