South Africa defeat Pakistan by two runs in third ODI in Dubai

DUBAI - A fighting century by opening Hashim Amla and a four-wicket spell by fast bowler Morne Morkel helped South Africa pull off a narrow two-run win over Pakistan in the third one-day international played here on Tuesday night.

Pakistan scored 226 for the loss of nine wickets and the Proteas replied with a score of 228 for the loss of nine wicktes, Fox Sports reports.

South Africa, put into bat by Pakistan, owed it to the 27-year-old Amla who carried his bat through the innings with a resolute 119.

It was the right-hander’s sixth one-day hundred - his fifth this year - which brought South Africa back into the match after they struggled initially on a tricky Dubai Stadium pitch.

South Africa, who lost the second match in Abu Dhabi by one wicket after Abdul Razzaq’s incredible 72-ball 109 not out, this time negated Fawad Alam’s brilliant 59 not out which almost turned the tables again.

Rusty Theron kept his nerves to defend 12 runs in the last over as Pakistan lost two wickets and managed just nine runs.

Amla, who has so far scored 986 runs in 13 one-day matches this year. (ANI)