South Africa staged a remarkable comeback to turn what seemed certain defeat into a one-run win over Pakistan in the first day-night international in Sharjah on Wednesday.
Pakistan, chasing a modest 184 to win, were cruising along nicely at 4-165 but lost their last six wickets for just 17 runs off 39 balls to be bowled out for 182 in 46.3 overs.
It looked all over with Umar Amin (20) and Umar Akmal (18) at the crease but legspinner Imran Tahir (3-45) dismissed Umar, Shahid Afridi (nine) and Wahab Riaz (zero) in successive overs to leave Pakistan struggling for the last seven runs.
Last man Mohammad Irfan and Saeed Ajmal added five runs before Morne Morkel (2-23) bowled Irfan to send his team into an unexpected but frenzied celebration in front of a 15,000-strong crowd.
It was man of the match Wayne Parnell who starred with both bat and ball, hitting a career best 56 before taking 3-41 in his eight overs.
South African captain AB de Villiers said his team had the belief of turning the tables.
“South Africans always believe we can turn things around. When you get a sniff you have to drive it home,” said De Villiers.
His Pakistan counterpart Misbah-ul Haq was disappointed at losing when victory seemed certain.
“We could not handle the pressure, some relaxed shots that cost us the match,” he said.
“Our focus should be to be there till the last run is scored, the batting spoiled the party. We have to forget this game and improve for the next one.”
Pakistan offspinner Ajmal (4-30) was well supported by legspinner Afridi (3-37) as South Africa were bowled out in the final over.
The win gives South Africa a 1-0 lead in the five-match series with the second match in Dubai on Friday.
When South Africa batted after winning the toss, they could never recover from the early loss of opener Colin Ingram, caught off Irfan’s second ball of the innings for nought.
Ajmal then rocked the South African batting, dismissing Graeme Smith (20), Faf du Plessis (12) and De Villiers (four) in his first spell of six overs.
Afridi then jolted South Africa further by taking Ryan McLaren (eight), David Miller (37) and Morkel (four) in his nine overs.