Aiden Markram's crucial half-century guided South Africa to a nervy one-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Cricket World Cup, breaking a 24-year jinx and moving closer to a semi-final spot. Chasing 271, the Proteas secured their fifth win in six matches, reaching the target in 47.2 overs.
Quinton de Kock (24) and Temba Bavuma (28) gave South Africa a solid start, but Pakistan struck back with timely wickets. Markram held the innings together with a resilient 91, while David Miller (29) and Marco Jansen (20) contributed brief cameos.
Usama Mir, who came on as a concussion substitute for Shadab Khan, impressed with figures of 2-45, dismissing Rassie van der Dussen and taking a catch to remove Heinrich Klaasen. Shaheen Afridi claimed 3-45, including the wicket of Gerald Coetzee, but the lower order held firm.
In a tense finish, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi survived several close calls, including a leg-before appeal against Shamsi, to guide South Africa home. The victory was their first while batting second in the tournament.
