Pace of Donald puts Pakistan out of final

South Africa pulled off an enthralling eight-run win over Pakistan in the Morocco Cup here yesterday thanks largely to the efforts of Allan Donald.

The South Africans only scored 196 for 8 in their innings, having been forced onto the back foot by a stunning display of pace bowling by Wasim Akram, who took 3 for 31.

Pakistan then began badly when they lost their opener Imran Nazir without a run scored, but a solid middle-order effort looked to be enough until Donald swept through to take 4 for 43 and dismiss Pakistan for 188. The result means that Sri Lanka and South Africa meet in the final of the triangular tournament here on Wednesday, although the two sides will also meet today in the final match of the group stage.

Veterans like Wasim, 36, and Donald, 35, are still capable of shaking up the best teams in the world. Wasim set the tone by dismissing the South Africa opener Herschelle Gibbs, playing in his 99th one-day international, with the first ball of the day. He then ripped out fellow opener Graeme Smith in his second over and later bowled Nicky Boje for just one.

Wasim was well supported by his fellow new-ball bowler Waqar Younis, who claimed two wickets for 48 runs, while Azhar Mahmood also picked up two wickets for just 33 runs. Having slipped to 29 for 4, South Africa were indebted to Boeta Dippenaar (55), Mark Boucher (57) and Lance Klusener (28 not out) which enabled them to set a respectable target.

Donald's most important victim was top scorer Shahid Afridi, who had already hit 62 from just 40 deliveries, including six fours and four sixes, when Donald induced him to edge a catch to Boucher behind the stumps. Despite dropping an easy catch to remove Inzamam ul-Haq, who scored 41, Donald took three of the last four wickets.

MOROCCO CUP (Tangiers, 50 overs): South Africa 196 for 8 (M Boucher 57, B Dippenaar 55); Pakistan 188 (Shahid 62; A Donald 4 for 43). South Africa win by eight runs.