CENTURION, SOUTH AFRICA: South Africa beat Pakistan by 13 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis method on Friday to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series of one-day internationals.
The home team's pursuit of Pakistan's impressive total of 317-6 was shaping up to be a thrilling one before rain intervened.
Reeza Hendricks, who was undefeated on 83, and captain Faf du Plessis (40 not out) were in the middle of a 108-run stand when the bad weather forced the players off for the second and last time at SuperSport Park with South Africa on 187-2 after 33 overs.
The game was finally called off and the result confirmed over an hour later.
Pakistan's score was built around opener Imam-ul-Haq, who made 101 and was one of a number of batsmen dropped in a sloppy display by South Africa in the field.
Imam also became the second fastest player to reach 1,000 ODI runs, behind teammate Fakhar Zaman. The duo have pushed West Indies great Viv Richards, who set the record 38 years ago, down to third on that list.
Babar Azam was also given a life and went on to hit 69 from 72 balls in a 132-run partnership with Imam.
South Africa was 79-2 in reply and under pressure when Hendricks and du Plessis came together. Hendricks hit eight fours and pulled two sixes over midwicket on the way to his second ODI half-century.
Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed played despite coming under scrutiny for an alleged racist comment aimed at allrounder Andile Phehlukwayo in the second ODI.
The International Cricket Council governing body is gathering information on the incident but hasn't announced any formal proceedings against Sarfraz, who apologized the day after and said his remarks were a general expression of frustration not aimed specifically at the South African.
Sarfraz also apologized in person to Phehlukwayo ahead of Friday's game.
South Africa beats Pakistan in rain-marred ODI
South Africa beats Pakistan in rain-marred ODI
Al-Hilal win tightens Saudi Pro League title race
- The 3-2 victory over Al-Khaleej leaves Al-Hilal a single point behind Riyadh rivals Al-Nassr, who play on Saturday
DUBAI: The gap at the top of the Saudi Pro League table was cut to just one point on Friday night, following Al-Hilal’s 3-2 win over Al-Khaleej.
Simone Inzaghi’s team leapfrogged Al-Taawoun into second place to remain the closest challengers to Al-Nassr in the title fight, with the leaders set to host Al-Okhdood on Saturday.
Al-Hilal opened the scoring on 18 minutes when Mohammed Kanno met Hamad Al-Yami’s lay-off on the edge of the penalty area, his long-range shot beating Al-Khaleej goalkeeper Anthony Moris at his left-hand post.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic doubled the lead on 39 from Malcom’s assist to leave the visitors with a mountain to climb in the second half. Al-Hilal looked to have secured all three points comfortably when Malcom made it 3-0 on 57 minutes, but Al-Khaleej had other ideas.
Joshua King’s goal on 79 minutes looked to be nothing more than a consolation, but five minutes later Al-Hilal were left sweating after Giorgos Masouras cut their lead to a single goal. The visitors’ revival was short-lived, however, with no more additions to the score.
The defeat leaves Al-Khaleej in eighth place, with three matches still to be played on Saturday.
Earlier on Friday, Al-Taawoun briefly climbed to second place in the table after an away win against Al-Kholood at Al-Hazem Stadium. Their goals came from Christopher Zambrano after 22 minutes and a William Troost-Ekong’s own goal in the 75th; Al-Taawoun ended the match with 10 men after Muteb Al-Mufarrij was sent off in stoppage time, but the three points were already secured.
Al-Hilal’s win later in the day meant Al-Taawoun dropped to third, while Al-Kholood sit in 12th.
The first match of the day saw Al-Fateh shock reigning Asian champions Al-Ahli with a 2-1 win, after falling behind at home to Valentin Atangana’s 22nd-minute goal. However, the home team turned the match around with two goals from Maria Vargas either side of half time.
The win saw Al-Fateh rise to 14th while Al-Ahli stayed in fourth.
