South Africa beat Pakistan by three wickets in the game; however, that has little bearing as the focus is on performances and processes rather than the result.

The batters got plenty of practice in the middle on a flat pitch, while it remained tough for the bowlers, although there was some success with the ball.

Pakistan A scored 322/8 in their allotted 50 overs, with Muhammad Hurraira scoring 110 and Imam-ul-Haq contributing 98.

Tony de Zorzi. Photo: Cricinfo

Wiaan Mulder took 3/27 in five overs, and Marco Jansen claimed 2/44 in his seven overs, while Lungi Ngidi and Tabraiz Shamsi each picked up a wicket.

Rassie van der Dussen scored 62, Ryan Rickelton 57, Tony de Zorzi 55, and Aiden Markram 54 not out, as South Africa claimed the three-wicket victory with an over to spare. Van der Dussen, Rickelton, and De Zorzi didn’t lose their wickets in the match but retired after spending some time in the middle.

At the backend of the innings, Mulder reaffirmed his status as a genuine all-rounder with a knock of 42 off 30 balls.

Wiaan Mulder. Photo: Cricinfo

Captain Temba Bavuma said they would be ready for the Champions Trophy.

“We can commit to putting our best foot forward as a team, and hopefully, through our performances, we can make our people happy back home.”

“It’s another step forward in terms of us getting ready for the game, and we’re still within our preparation phase, you know, so I trust that come Friday, we’ll be as ready as we can be.”

On Friday at 11:00, the Proteas will face Afghanistan in their tournament opener, this match will also be played in Karachi.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg