It was South Africa who won the toss in Port Elizabeth and chose to bat first. The runs did not flow off the bat but they got off to a steady start with their opening pair of Hashim Amla and Reeza Hendricks putting on 82 for the first wicket at just over 4 runs an over, until Hendricks was the first man to fall, caught by Hasan Ali off the bowling of Shadab Khan for 45, which included 5 fours.
Rassie van Duten joined Amla at the crease, and together the pair shared a stand of 155 for the second wicket, in just under 30 overs. Van Duten, who had looked as if he might hit a century, was finally out in the 46th over for 93, caught by Shoaib Malik, with Hasan Ali the bowler. He had struck 3 sixes and 6 fours. However, Amla went on to complete his 27th ODI century, carrying his bat for 108, including one six and seven fours. David Miller scored a quick cameo 16 not out as South Africa reached 266/2 at the end of their 50 overs.
Pakistan got off to a reasonable start of their own, with their opening pair of Imam ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman making 45 before Fakhar fell for 25, caught by Dwaine Pretorious off Duanne Olivier. Ul-Haq then shared a stand of 94 for the second wicket with Babar Azam, as the visitors kept in touch with the run rate. Babar was bowled by Hendricks for 49, but the tourists kept up their momentum with Mohammad Hafeez joining ul-Haq in the middle.
The opener was eventually out for 86, caught by Hendricks off Olivier, departing with 2 sixes and 5 fours against his name, which left Hafeez with the main responsibility to guide their side home. He put on 33 with Shoaib Malik for the 4th wicket, but, when Malik was bowled by Andile Phehlukwayo for 12, and then Sarfraz Ahmed fell cheaply in the next over, it looked like the match might be swinging South Africa’s way.
However, Hafeez found a willing accomplice in the shape of Shadab Khan, and together they saw their side to victory, reaching their target off the first ball of the last over. Shadab scored a valuable undefeated 19, whilst Hafeez finished on 71 not out off just 68 balls, including 2 sixes and 8 fours.
His efforts earned him the man of the match award.