T20 World Cup 2022, Match 36: Pakistan vs South Africa - Talking points and Who Said What?

Pakistan kept their semi-final hopes alive with a comprehensive victory against the Proteas in a rain-marred affair at the SCG. Babar Azam's men halted the South African juggernaut, for the first time in this year's T20 World Cup, handing them their first loss. Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan registered brisk half-centuries to set a daunting total before the bowlers stepped up their game during the South African chase.

Before listening to comments of the skippers from both sides, we look at the talking points from the game:

Sensational Shadab blows away the Proteas

The mercurial opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan failed yet again as Pakistan were reduced to 43-4, batting first at the SCG. Things looked bleak for the Men in Green even though Mohammad Nawaz and Iftikhar Ahmed consolidated after the early blows. That is when Shadab Khan entered the fray and changed the complexion of the game. The star all-rounder pulled out his pyro techniques and registered a sensational 20-ball half-century to drag Pakistan's total to a handsome 185. But that wasn't his only contribution, as the leggie scalped two wickets in his very first over to rock the Proteas' chase.

Pakistan brings carnage to the SCG

South Africa were on top for the first ten overs of the match, but Pakistan, like they often do, brought unpredictability to the arena to good effect. Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan took on a fiery South African bowling attack, adding 82 runs in just 35 deliveries. While the Pakistani batters went into overdrive in the death overs, South Africa just couldn't catch the ball, which was getting increasingly slippery due to the drizzle. The pair took full toll on the chances and helped Pakistan smash ten sixes in the match, their second most in a T20 World Cup match.

Temba Bavuma shows signs of life

The Pakistani pace attack blew away the Proteas top order to snatch their unbeaten record in the tournament. However, the under-fire Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma, for the first time in a long while looked confident in the middle. The diminutive cricketer scored a fluent 36 off 19 deliveries to keep his side in the chase until Shadab Khan drew the curtains on his innings. 

Losing skipper, Temba Bavuma said:

Quite disappointing the way we ended our bowling session. Getting them 5 down quickly and allowing them to get to a formidable score. Lots of questions we need to ask. Credit to them. We knew that weather was going to be a bit of an issue. I'm no bowler but the bowlers do practice for these conditions. Wicket was sliding on, slower balls weren't gripping. We probably could've used the bigger side a bit more. Next game is obviously a big one for us against Netherlands in Adelaide. Have to put this one behind quickly, take whatever learnings we can.

Winning skipper, Babar Azam said:

 Very happy the way team performed. We are not upto the mark - me and Rizwan. But the way Haris played - different player - set the momentum. And the way Shadab finished the innings - outstanding. To be honest, everyone is my best player. Everyone is my match-winner. First two losses cost us. But the way we have played last two matches. As you know cricket is funny game. You never know.

Player of the match, Shadab Khan said:

I have done this in PSL, but this is a World Cup, so it's my best innings. The pitch was a bit slower compared to Perth. I tried to bowl at the stumps, and it paid off. I like to bat up the order, but it depends on the situation and what the team requires, so I am ready to bat anywhere.