South Africa take 2-1 lead in five-match ODI series against Pakistan

South African captain celebrates after taking a wicket of Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi (unseen) during the third day-night international in Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Novemver 6, 2013. South Africa produced a clincal performance to beat Pakistan by 68 runs in the third day-night international and take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series

The third one day between Pakistan and South Africa at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi ended up with a win for South Africa, as Pakistan yet again proved that they are not the best off sides while chasing.

Coming into this match, the 5- match series was level at 1-1 with both teams expecting to win and take an all important 2-1 lead. After winning the toss, South Africans did not have the best off starts with their key batsman Hashim Amla lost his stumps early in the 5th over, by a gem from Irfan. After which, Faf du Plessis and Quinton de Kock put up a 77- run stand for the Proteas to get their innings back on track. Du Plessis went on to score a half century ( 55; 60 b; 8*4), however, he failed to convert this into a big one and lost his wicket to Afridi. After loosing three wickets came another 70- run stand between JP Duminy and the captain Ab de Villiers, Duminy scored a patient half century (64; 88 b; 3*4), while De Villiers got out on 34. After 50 overs, South Africa managed a decent total of 259/8. From the Pakistani side, Irfan was the pick of the bowlers, he took three wickets and ended up with figures of 10-46-3.

Then, began the chase and Pakistan were looking a dominant side with a 50- run stand between the openers, Ahmed Shehzad took the attack to the Proteas bowlers smashing 7 boundaries. He scored a quick 32 off just 24 balls. However, in a span of two overs, Pakistan lost both their openers and were struggling at 52/2. After this, every Pakistani batsman struggled to get runs and eventually Pakistan ended up on the loosing side. Bowlers, Tanvir and Riaz though tried to win the game for Pakistan with the partnership of 61 off 70 balls, but it was a little too much for them. For South Africans, Imran Tahir was the most impressive bowler with four wickets who ended up with the figures of 10-53-4.

Faf du Plessis was given Man of the match for his batting and brilliant fielding.

South Africa have taken the lead and they now have a great chance of winning this series, Pakistan on the other hand, would be hoping for a better batting effort in the last two matches.