3rd ODI: Pakistan v South Africa at Abu Dhabi

South Africa 259/8 (50 ov)

Pakistan 43/0 (5.3 ov)

Pakistan require another 83 runs with 2 wickets and 53 balls remaining

South Africa won by 68 runs after Pakistan once again failed to bat their full quota of overs. This series is looking a bit like a case of whoever wins the toss wins the match. I hope South Africa can manage to win a match in which they lost the toss to prove me wrong.


The commentators in the South African television studio were really surprised at the Pakistani batsmen's inability to cope with the spin of Imran Tahir. 

Gina,


I do not think it is the toss or SA's brilliance rather the Pakistani's incompetence. Really the last ODI?


See Tahir did it again for his team.

I wish I could say you were wrong, but I can't. Pakistan's incompetence can be astounding at times. Hopefully one of these days we'll be able to win matches based on the SA team's brilliance, but we're not there yet.

Tahir's done well in the series, but his performance in the fourth ODI wasn't what it should have been. Hopefully he'll become more consistent as he plays more games at this level.

Gina,


This South African team is a brilliant one and in no was I intending to undermine their victories but they were gifted these games.


You certainly beat us comprehensively 2-0 when you last visited in the Summer of 2012.

[quote author=Mail link=topic=84889.msg530846#msg530846 date=1384127776]
Gina,


This South African team is a brilliant one and in no was I intending to undermine their victories but they were gifted these games.


You certainly beat us comprehensively 2-0 when you last visited in the Summer of 2012.
[/quote]

It's nice of you to say that, but I'm not sure I'd call our one day team brilliant just yet. There are definitely signs of improvement since last season and I hope they continue to improve. We need to win a World Cup to get rid of that chokers tag.