Match report: Lower order heroics rescue Pakistan

Source: cricinfo.com

• Pakistan 136/8 (Akmal 43*, Steyn 3/22) defeated South Africa 133/6 (Duminy 48, De Villiers 25)

Summary:
Some audacious hitting by tail-end batsman Umar Gul brought Pakistan back from the brink to record a famous T20 victory. Gul formed a valuable 49-run eighth wicket partnership with middle-order batman Umar Akmal to rescue Pakistan from a precarious position at 76/7 to within sight of victory when he fell for 32 off just 17 balls. Gul had earlier been part of an unorthodox Pakistani bowling attack containing four spinners. The gamble paid off spectacularly as they were able to stifle the South Africans on a pitch that did offer some assistance to spin bowling.

The sublime and the ridiculous:
This match was a bizarre combination of technical and tactical genius and remarkable gaffes. The decision to play four spinners was a masterstroke, as was both captains use of their spin bowlers. The dismissals of many of the Pakistani top-order on the other hand bordered on the comedic, and looked to have cost Pakistan what should have been a routine victory, before Gul intervened with some remarkable hitting.

Who's hot:
Pakistan: No-one was hotter by the end of the match than Umar Gul, who was hitting them to all parts, but a small mention should also go to Pakistan's spinners, none of whom went for more than 6.5 runs an over.
South Africa: Jean-Paul Duminy had a great all-round game, top scoring for South Africa, as well as taking two great catches in the field and taking a wicket with the ball. South Africa's spinners were also effective in tying down opposing batsmen.

What it means:
Pakistan: Be happy just to get the win, after looking to have thrown a victory away with a disastrous start with the bat. The win means they can control their own destiny in the Super Eights.
South Africa: Is this a sign of the much talked about mental fragility? Managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, a victim of Pakistan's unpredictability.

The Votes:
MVP: 3- Umar Gul (turned the game), 2- JP Duminy (Best performer on the night), 1- U Akmal (Held Pakistan's innings together)
Tucker Trophy: 1- K Akmal (Tardy innings of just 1), 2- M Morkel (really didn't bowl well at the death), 3- A Morkel (only bowler to cop a pasting in the match)