South Africa beat Pakistan in the Decider, wins Series

Pakistan lost a match that was in their hand until the last few overs and thus, lost the series to South Africa 2-3. South Africa overcame a spirited Pakistan challenge to win the cliffhanger by 14 runs. Ironically, Pakistan lost their last six wickets for just 20 runs. South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first. The team scored 233 for nine from their 50 overs.

Shoaib Akhtar, back in the team after a 13-match ban, wrecked the South African innings with a 4-wicket haul. Jacques Kallis was the top-scorer for South Africa with a brilliant knock of 86. Gibbs contributed 54.

Pakistan looked comfortable, as they chased only 234 to win the match and the series. The team started well despite Makhaya Ntini's 4-wicket haul. Younis Khan (58) and Mohammad Yousuf (53) had shared a third wicket partnership of 106. However, the late strike by Albie Morkel, who took 4-44, put Pakistan on back foot and it lost the last 6 wickets for 20 runs. Finally they fell short of 14 runs. The Pakistan team were dismissed for 219 in 46.3 overs.