ICC Women's World Cup 2017, Pakistan vs South Africa: 5 Talking Points

The Women's World Cup produced a classic encounter in Leicester as the Proteas ladies ran out close winners against the Pakistan ladies. South Africa managed a three-wicket win over their opponents as a middle order harakiri from both the sides made this game a low-scoring affair.

Pakistan could manage just 206 in their 50 overs. Nahida Khan scored a brilliant 79 as the Greens piled on their highest score in World Cup cricket. In reply, South Africa were cruising at one stage with the openers forming a 113 run stand. But wickets fell in quick succession as the Pakistani spinners brought them back into the game.

But a late surge from the African tailenders ensured the dark horses of this mega event start their journey on the front foot. On that note, let's delve into the five talking points from the Women's World Cup group game between Pakistan and South Africa:

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#5 A thriller to set the ball rolling

The second day of the biggest event in women's cricket produced a clash worthy of being a showstopper. A delight for the neutrals but a total nerve wreck for both the teams! South Africa were absolutely cruising till a break in their opening partnership handed Pakistan a backdoor entry into the game.

Pakistan then bowled with discipline and fielded well to keep the run rate under check. The Proteas were staring down a shocking defeat but a 16 run 49th over helped them register a famous win.

It was a brilliant battle between bat and ball with some batters producing fine knocks while from the other end, bowlers kept it tight. This game has set the bar high for the forthcoming matches and if the other games match up to the level attained by this game, there is no doubt about this tournament being a rousing success.

#4 Over-reliance on Sana Mir

She conceded just 27 runs in her nine overs today

The Pakistani captain has been the best player of the side in the recent past. Her brilliant off breaks, combined with her useful knocks with the bat, have often guided her side home. Mir has been in brilliant form lately and proved her mettle with yet another fine bowling display tonight.

She conceded just 27 runs in her nine overs today and also picked up the all important wicket of Lizelle Lee who was taking the game away from them. It was a brilliant spell of bowling from the captain but she should have completed her quota. This turned out to be the only flaw in what was otherwise a brilliant outing for Sana Mir.

#3 Running between the wickets a problem for both the sides

Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp and captain Van Niekerk wasted their wickets because of crazy running in the middle

South Africa lost three crucial wickets, not because of a brilliant bowling spell, but as a result of their own wrongdoing. Losing three middle order wickets because of wrong calls, miscommunication and not trusting your partner is a big no-no at this level. The Proteas could have lost the game because of this let down in the running department.

Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp and captain Van Niekerk wasted their wickets because of crazy running in the middle which almost made them throw away a game which was easily theirs. Pakistan too had their share of bad running between the wickets as their best batswoman Nahida Khan was sent back to the dugout as a result of a runout.

Watch Here: History of the Women's Cricket World Cup

#2 Lizelle Lee fulfilling expectations

Lee's knock has made her a player to watch out for in this World Cup

The opening batter for South Africa, Lizelle Lee's favourite South African player is Lance Klusener. And just like the southpaw, Lee plays her game fearlessly and is a dangerous customer up front. She has a strike rate of over 100 in one-day internationals and has already amassed more than 500 runs this calendar year.

Tonight, she played an entertaining knock of 60 runs from 79 deliveries which included eight fours and three sixes. It was Lee who played the aggressor's role which made Pakistan worry a lot during the first half of the second innings. It is a no brainier that Lee's knock has made her a player to watch out for in this World Cup.

#1 Shabnim Ismail contributing in every department

She picked up two crucial wickets of two set batters in Asmavia Iqbal and Sana Mir

South Africa have a pace attack to die for in this tournament. They played with five pacers in their playing eleven against Pakistan and the quickest of them all is Shabnim Ismail. She plays her game with such aggression that she is often called the big bad girl of world cricket.

South Africa's most successful bowler of all-time displayed her talents yet again as she picked up two crucial wickets of two set batters in Asmavia Iqbal and Sana Mir. She also ran out Nahida Khan and then went on to play the finisher's role for her side.

Without Ismail, South Africa wouldn't have reached this tournament through the qualifiers and without her, they would not have crossed the hurdle against Pakistan.