South Africa reach final

South Africa recorded a tense eight-run victory over Pakistan on Sunday to reach the final of the Morocco Cup triangular tournament.

A middle order batting collapse in the space of just seven deliveries cost Pakistan dear as South Africa held their nerve to reach Wednesday's final against Sri Lanka.

Chasing a modest 197 for victory after a fine bowling performance spearheaded by veteran fast bowler Wasim Akram, Pakistan appeared to be cruising to victory following a whirlwind 62 in 40 balls by Shahid Afridi.

But the dramatic collapse, which saw both Younis Khan and Abdur Razzaq depart without scoring, set up a tense finish.

The match turned in South Africa's favour when Inzamam-ul-Haq (41) hit a delivery from part-time spinner Justin Ontong over the ropes at mid wicket, only to step back and knock the bails off his own wicket.

What should have been a six turned into a vital dismissal and Pakistan were plunged into trouble at 163 for eight wickets in the 42nd over.

Azhar Mahmood fought valiantly to keep his team alive with an unbeaten 16 in the closing stages but fast bowler Allan Donald (4-43) claimed the last two wickets to clinch a memorable victory.

South Africa's win was truly remarkable considering they managed to post a respectable total despite being reduced to 49 for five wickets.

But battling half centuries from Boeta Dippenaar and Mark Boucher helped to rebuild the innings after splendid display of fast bowling from Akram and Waqar Younis.

Akram struck the first blow with the first ball of the match when Herschelle Gibbs edged a wide delivery into the gloves of Rashid Latif.

Jacques Kallis (3) quickly followed Gibbs back into the pavilion after being bowled by Waqar in the second over.

Opener Graeme Smith (5) was trapped plumb lbw in Akram's third over, Ontong (10) chipped a straightforward return catch to Waqar three overs later and the innings reached its demise when Jonty Rhodes (11) edged Azhar to Latif with the score on just 49.

But Dippenaar struggled to 55 from 89 balls while wicketkeeper Boucher played with similar caution to make 57 from 99 balls before a slow full toss from Azhar deceived him in the air and hit leg stump.

Pakistan's apparent cruise towards victory came unstuck at 92 for two when Afridi's thrilling hitting, which included five fours and four sixes, ended with an edge off Donald to Boucher.

Lance Klusener then took two wickets in successive deliveries when Yousuf Youhana (22) holed out to deep midwicket and Younis Khan was trapped lbw next ball.

South Africa and Sri Lanka play the final group match on Monday in what has now become a dress-rehearsal for the final.

Scorecard

Mail Cricket Editor