ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Pakistan set 271 runs target for South Africa

Chennai: In a crucial match held at Chennai's M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Pakistan set a target of 271 runs for South Africa. Pakistan's innings came to an end in the 47th over of the match.

At the outset, Pakistan faced the possibility of a complete batting collapse as Shamsi's delivery dismissed Babar, leaving them struggling at a score of 141 for 5. However, Shadab Khan and Saud Shakeel demonstrated remarkable resilience and proactive batting to stabilize their team's innings.

31st ODI half-century for @babarazam258 👏#PAKvSA | #DattKePakistani pic.twitter.com/mA6sTKgCEn

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 27, 2023

Shadab Khan exhibited his skill by taking on Shamsi and effectively forcing him out of the attack. He created space, bent his back knee, and dispatched the ball over long-off for a powerful six, conquering one of the larger boundaries at Chepauk. Despite the pitch slowing down, Shadab and Shakeel managed to generate their own pace and seize scoring opportunities through their impressive performance.

Saud Shakeel, a left-handed batsman, adeptly handled South Africa's left-arm spinners and capitalized on the additional pace and bounce offered by Coetzee.

Excellent batting from @saudshak as he brings up his third ODI half-century 👏#PAKvSA | #DattKePakistani | #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/dVvrCFxxmi

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 27, 2023

In the lead-up to the match, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first in this must-win encounter. With three losses in their record, Pakistan could not afford even the slightest mistake if they were to keep their hopes alive in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.