By BV Swagath
Pakistan eased to a 6-wicket win with 27 balls to spare in their warm-up match against South Africa at The Oval on Monday. It was a poor batting display from the Proteas as they slipped to a hopeless 83 for 7 in 22 overs after being asked to bat first by Misbah-ul-Haq.
A superb partnership of 94 for the 8th wicket between JP Duminy and Ryan McLaren helped the Proteas to post a modest total of 202 for 9. Duminy, coming in at no.8 scored 43 from 91 balls while McLaren scored 55 from 72 balls with 6 fours. For Pakistan, medium pacer Asad Ali and Wahab Riaz claimed three wickets each.
Pakistan got to the target of 203 in 45.3 overs losing only four wickets. Imran Farhat with 56 from 82 balls (with 5 fours) and Mohammad Hafeez with 54 from 71 balls (with 8 fours) got going for Pakistan with the bat. The Proteas had a problem with Dale Steyn leaving the park with a stiff back after sending in 5 overs.
