In a tense showdown at theICC Men's World Cup 2023  in Chennai on 27 October, South Africa emerged victorious by a narrow margin of 1 wicket against Pakistan, surpassing the target of 270 runs.

In Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium , Babar Azam made an early decision to bat first after winning the toss.

Despite a difficult beginning, Pakistan  successfully posted a total of 270 runs on the scoreboard, having lost all of its wickets. Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, along with Saud Shakeel and Shadab Khan, contributed significantly to the team's run tally. Tabraiz Shamsi claimed a total of 4 wickets for the Proteas, while Marco Jansen managed to secure 3 wickets. Additionally, Gerald Coetzee contributed 2 wickets and Lungi Ngidi captured a single wicket.

In pursuit of a target of 271 runs,South Africa  encountered an early setback when de Kock was dismissed. However, Bavuma (28) and van der Dussen (21) skillfully maintained the team's momentum. Although they did lose wickets at times, the South African team successfully faced the strong Pakistani bowling attack, mainly due to Aiden Markram's impressive innings of 91 runs. In the final moments, Keshav Maharaj sealed the game for the Proteas by scoring a boundary on the second ball of the 48th over, leading them to a remarkable victory with just 1 wicket in hand and 16 balls left.

In the Pakistani cricket team, Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed a total of three wickets, while Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim, and Usama Mir each managed to secure two wickets.

South Africa's victory has propelled them to the top of theICC points table, surpassing India, as they now sit comfortably with 10 points. Nevertheless, Pakistan holds the 6th position, securing 4 points.

South Africa and Pakistan both opted for adjustments to their starting lineups. In the absence of Hassan Ali due to injury, Mohammad Wasim Jr takes his place in the team, while Mohammad Nawaz makes his return after recovering from an injury. In a strategic move, Temba Bavuma, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Lungi Ngidi are brought into the South African lineup, replacing Reeza Hendricks, Kagiso Rabada, and Lizaad Williams.

With rumors swirling about Babar Azam  potentially losing the captaincy should Pakistan not make it to the World Cup, the top-ranked ODI batsman in the world will be eager to showcase his skills with the bat.

Shadab Khan, the all-rounder representing Pakistan at the 2023 World Cup, has yet to make a mark in the tournament, scoring a mere 74 runs. After being excluded from the team, Shadab made a comeback in the final match due to Mohammed Nawaz's injury.

Live score updates for the Pakistan vs South Africa match in the 2023 World Cup: 

Some Standout moments of Pakistan Innings:

1. The captain of Pakistan, Babar Azam, chose to bat first after winning the coin toss.

2. The innings commenced with Pakistan openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq at the crease.

3. Marco Yansen, the fast bowler from South Africa, made an early breakthrough by sending Abdullah Shafique back to the pavilion.

4. Pakistan captain Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq are currently batting together.

5. Once more, Marco Jansen succeeds in dismissing another batsman, sending Imam-ul-Haq back to the pavilion.

6. Muhammad Rizwan and Babar Azam were forging a strong partnership, but their momentum was disrupted as Gerald Coetzee managed to remove Rizwan.

7. Spinner Tabraiz Shamsi took the wickets of Iftikhar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, and Shaheen Afridi.

8. Coetzee achieved his second wicket of the day by successfully sending Shadab Khan back to the pavilion.

9. Marco Jansen secured his third dismissal by taking the wicket of Mohammad Nawaz.

10. Pakistan was dismissed for a total of 270 runs by South Africa, leaving the Proteas with a target of 271 runs for victory.

Some Standout moments of South Africa Innings:

1. Shaheen Shah Afridi delivers his second over following a costly one. He regains his momentum and takes down de Kock (24) on the third delivery of the fourth over.

2. South Africa successfully amassed a total of 50 runs within 6.5 overs, which equates to 41 balls.

3. In the 10th over, Mohammad Wasim took charge of the attack and successfully ousted Bavuma on the fifth ball.

4. South Africa successfully reached a total of 100 runs after 13.4 overs (equivalent to 82 balls).

5. The 3rd wicket partnership between Dussen and Markram reaches the milestone of 50 runs in just 46 deliveries.

6. Osama Mir leaves the field for HE van der Dussen (21) during the 18.5 over.

7. In the 22nd over, Mohammad Wasim took the wicket of Heinrich Klaasen (12), causing a loss for the Proteas.

8. South Africa successfully reached a total of 150 runs in just 24.4 overs, using up 148 balls. Additionally, they were aided by 10 extra runs.

9. AK Markram reaches his half-century in 50 deliveries.

10. In just 32.2 overs or 194 balls, South Africa successfully reach a total of 200 runs.

11. Shaheen Shah Afridi takes the wicket of David Miller with his first ball in the 34th over.

12. In an impressive display, Haris Rauf takes the wicket of Marco Yansen (20) on the fifth ball of the 37th over.

13. In 40.1 overs (241 balls), South Africa reached the milestone of 250 runs.

14. In the 41st over, Aiden Markram (91) was dismissed by Usama Mir on the second delivery.

15. Shaheen Shah Afridi takes a wicket on the very first ball of the 42nd over, dismissing Coetzee (10) before departing.

16. In a brilliant display, Maharaj sealed victory for the Proteas with a boundary on the second delivery of the 48th over, ultimately securing a 1-wicket win with 16 balls to spare.

17. Tabraiz Shamsi of South Africa is awarded the 'Player of the Match' title for securing 4 wickets.

Some of best moments

South africa consistency to win matches has pushed them to boost their run rates above 2 , makes them the unbeatable competitor against 10 teams.