Live Updates
  • South Africa have won the toss and have elected to field
  • Pakistan 35/1 after 10 overs
  • Match reduced to 47 overs due to rain
  • Pakistan all out for 222 runs
  • South Africa need 232 runs to win (D/L method)
  • South Africa 67/2 after 10 overs
  • Pakistan win by 29 runs (D/L method)
AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers celebrates his wicket of Younis Khan during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and Pakistan [Getty]

We will be back tomorrow with Live Blog between Australia and Sri Lanka. Hope you have enjoyed today's close tie between Pakistan and South Africa. Enjoy the rest of the day and we will see you tomorrow. Goodbye till then.

The second match is a big clash between co-host Australia and Sri Lanka. The winner of the clash are likely to finish the table in second place. Click here to read IBTimes UK's preview of the match and also get Get the betting odds, predictions and team news.

New Zealand take on Afghanistan in the first of the two matches scheduled tomorrow. Get the betting odds, predictions and team news for the match and also IBTimes UK's preview by clicking here.

A very exciting clash between Pakistan and South Africa today. This has been one of the best matches of this World Cup.

Hard luck boys

Read IBTimes UK's preview between Pakistan and South Africa by clicking here.

Misbah-ul-Haq

This is a big win for us. Sarfraz played well [others also played well]. We were 30-40 runs short, but the bowlers did their job. The bowlers went for the kill, the only chance was to get wickets and get the opposition all out.

Beating South Africa, who are playing really good cricket, after that everybody believes now, the players, the team, can take a lot of confidence from it. When runs are on board, it is always pressure on the opposition.

AB de Villiers

We are still in a good position in the group, but I never like to lose. We were shocking with the bat. We have been under pressure many times in the last few years and come out on top.

I still believe we have the right group here to lift the trophy. It wasn't easy (batting under lights). Still, a good enough wicket to chase that down, no reason we shouldn't have chased it down.

Sarfraz Ahemd after winning the man of the match

I am very thankful to the world and Pakistan for this opportunity. I want to thank all those who supported me, including my family. This is my World Cup debut match, but Mushie bhai (Mushtaq Ahmed) had good words for me to encourage me and told me to go out and enjoy myself.

Sarfraz Ahmed is named the man of the match for his 49 runs and for also taking six catches behind the stumps.

Pakistan win by 29 runs (D/L method)

Over 34: South Africa 201 for 9: Imran Tahir 0 (4) Morne Morkel 6 (8)

Morne Morkel is on strike and Wahaz Riaz continues. Morkel takes a single towards third man. After a dot ball, Tahir gives a catch to Sarfraz and that is the end of match.

WICKET...!!! Imran Tahir 0 (6), c Sarfraz b Wahab Riaz

Over 33: South Africa 201 for 9: Imran Tahir 0 (4) Morne Morkel 5 (7)

Sohail Khan continues and De Villiers is on strike. The first ball takes an edge and runs down to the boundary like a bullet. That brings South Africa's 200. He then walks down the ground and tries to pull. In the process, the ball knicks the bat and that is the end of De Villiers.

Imran Tahir is the last ball and a good Yorker from Sohail Khan is blocked by Tahir. Another short ball is followed by another dot ball.

WICKET...!!! AB de Villiers 77 (58) c Sarfraz b Sohail Khan

Over 32: South Africa 196 for 8: AB de Villiers 73 (56), Morne Morkel 5 (7)

Double change in Pakistan's bowling attack as Wahab Riaz is called back to put pressure on South Africa. De Villiers is on strike and he is the danger man in the middle. He flicks it to third man and De Villiers is not interested in singles.

The next ball is flicked to leg side by De Villiers and the ball clears the rope to six towards square leg. It is followed by a dot ball. He smashes on the off side towards the deep cover boundary. 10 runs off the first four balls.

Slower delivery and De Villiers takes a single. Morkel is on strike off the last ball and places it to third man. No run taken.

Over 31: South Africa 185 for 8: AB de Villiers 62 (52), Morne Morkel 5 (6)

Sohail Khan is brought back into the attack. After a dot ball, De Villiers places it through leg side and beats the midwicket fielder for a boundary. Down the pitch and goes straight down the ground for a single.

Morkel is on strike and he has two slips in place for him. Morkel takes a quick single and a direct hit could have put him in trouble. He flicks it to fine leg and gets a single and Morkel faces the last ball. A short delivery from Sohail Khan to Morkel and it is called a wide, despite Morkel's duck. A short delivery and rattles into the bad to finish the over.

Over 30: South Africa 177 for 8: AB de Villiers 56 (47), Morne Morkel 4 (4)

Rahat Alo continues and he starts the over with a boundary down the ground towards long off. A quicker delivery and Abbott edges and gives an easy catch to Younis Kha in the second slap. Morne Morkell is the new man to come in the middle. After two dot balls, Rahat bowls a bouncer and is given as wide.

Morkel gets off the mark with a boundary through covers. There was a chance of a single and De Villiers sends him back.

WICKET...!!! Kyle Abbott 12 (19) a Younis Khan v Rahat Ali

Over 29: South Africa 168 for 7: AB de Villiers 56 (47), Kyle Abbott 8 (17)

Afridi is in his fifth over and has a slip and a leg slip. After two dot balls, Abbott takes a single and gets his skipper back on strike. De Villiers sends the ball to the stands towards long off, which brings his fifty. It is followed by a sweep six towards square leg and he ends the over with a dot ball.

South Africa require 78 runs from 19 overs, while Pakistan need three wickets to win .

Over 28: South Africa 154 for 7: AB de Villiers 43 (43), Kyle Abbott 7 (15)

Rahat Ali replaces Irfan and Abbott takes a single off the first ball. De Villiers slices the next ball to backward point for a boundary. It is followed by a single down the ground. Abbott defends till the end of the over. 6 runs from the over.

Over 27: South Africa 148 for 7: AB de Villiers 38 (41), Kyle Abbott 6 (11)

Afridi continues his fourth over and he starts with a dot ball. The next ball hits De Villiers' pads and Afridi appeals. Umpire calls it not out and Pakistan decide to take the review. De Villiers is way out of his crease and the ball pitches outside and misses off stump by a mile.

South Africa take a single through that leg bye and that gets Abbott on strike. Afridi balls outside leg stump and Abbott flicks it to the leg side behind the keeper for a boundary. Abbott finishes the over with a single.

Over 26: South Africa 142 for 7: AB de Villiers 38 (39), Kyle Abbott 1 (7)

Irfan continues and De Villiers gets a top edge and luckily, it lands safely behind midwicket. Abbott gets off the mark with a single towards midwicket. De Villiers is trying to clear the ground and Irfan is struggling. The tall pacerman signals to the dugout and calls a physio. He gets treatment and it's time for drinks break.

The play resumes and he starts with a dot ball, followed by a single to midwicket. Abbott leaves the last ball as South Africa get 3 runs from this over.

South Africa require 93 runs from 22 overs, while Pakistan need three wickets to win .

Over 25: South Africa 139 for 7: AB de Villiers 36 (35), Kyle Abbott 0 (5)

Afridi continuous and Kyle Abbott replaces Steyn in the middle. De Villiers took a single off the first ball and it is followed by five dot balls from Abbott. A very tidy over fro Afridi.

Over 24: South Africa 138 for 7: AB de Villiers 35 (34)

Irfan continues and Steyn retains the strike after a single off the last ball of the previous over. A quicker delivery and it takes a thick edge. Ball goes past the fielder at slip and races to the boundary. No run and it is followed by a boundary down the ground to long on.

It is followed by two dot balls, Steyn charges down the ground and takes an edge giving am easy catch to Sarfraz. That's the end of Steyn and also the end of the over.

WICKET...!!! Dale Steyn 16 (17) c Sarfraz b Irfan

South Africa require 102 runs from 24 overs, while Pakistan need four wickets to win .

Over 23: South Africa 130 for 6: AB de Villiers 35 (34), Dale Steyn 8 (11)

Afridi is come back into the attack as he bowls his second over. De Villiers takes a single and gets off the strike with a single from the first ball. Steyn is on strike and it is followed by four dot balls. He finishes the over with a single. 2 runs off it.

Over 22: South Africa 128 for 6: AB de Villiers 34 (33), Dale Steyn 7 (6)

Irfan continues his sixth over and Steyn is on strike. He slices it to third man and a misfield from substitute fielder Yasir Shah helps Steyn gets off the mark with a boundary. After a dot ball, Steyn drives it through mid off and gets three runs as the ball was cut close to the boundary.

De Villiers takes a single and that helps him bring his 1000 runs in the World Cup. It is followed by a dot ball from Steyn.

Over 21: South Africa 120 for 6: AB de Villiers 33 (32), Dale Steyn 0 (1)

Wahab Riaz is in his sixth over and De Villiers plays with a straight bat. He uses full face of the bat and places it brilliantly to deep midwicket boundary. A quicker delivery from Riaz after a dot ball, which goes above De Villiers' head. Sarfrasaz does a good job to dive and catch the ball.

It is followed by a six towards long leg as De Villiers pulls it on the leg side. He then taps it and then follows with a six towards fine leg. Small boundary and then manages to clear the ropes. Last ball of the over and Riaz comes round the wicket and ends in a dot ball.

Over 20: South Africa 103 for 6: AB de Villiers 17 (26), Dale Steyn 0 (1)

Irfan is brought back into the attack. He bowls on the pads and Duminy sends it behind square for the boundary. That brings South Africa's 100. After two dot balls, Duminy pulls it to fine leg and gives an easy catch to Wahab Riaz. Dale Steyn is the new man in the middle and is at non strikers end.

De Villiers takes a single and Steyn ducks the last ball. Misbah's decision to bring Irfan back into the attack paid off.

WICKET...!!! JP Duminy 12 (13) c Riaz b Irfan

Over 19: South Africa 98 for 5: AB de Villiers 16 (25), JP Duminy 8 (9)

Wahab Riaz starts his fifth over. After a dot ball, Riaz bowls a quick bouncer to Duminy. It is followed by two singles from Duminy and De Villiers. Riaz bowls another bouncer and this time it is given a wide. Duminy then takes a quick single and De Villiers finishes the over with a dot ball.

Over 18: South Africa 94 for 5: AB de Villiers 15 (23), JP Duminy 6 (5)

Rahat Ali is in his sixth over. He starts with a dot ball. It was followed by a tap from Duminy. AB de Villiers wanted a quick single, but sent back. Rahat picks up the ball and misses the stumps. Direct would have sent the Proteas skipper back to the pavilion.

Duminy then takes a quick single. A dot ball is followed by a quick bouncer to finish the over.

Over 17: South Africa 92 for 5: AB de Villiers 14 (20), JP Duminy 5 (2)

Wahab Riaz is in his fourth over and AB de Villiers flicks to deep midwicket. Irfan chases the ball and he slips near the boundary and gets four runs. He then finds the gap between cover and point and the ball races to the boundary in no time. Two consecutive boundaries for South Africa.

It is followed by a single to deep cover. Duminy takes a single down the third man. De Villiers takes a single off the last ball to finish a very good over.

Over 16: South Africa 81 for 5: AB de Villiers 4 (15), JP Duminy 4 (1)

Rahat Ali continues his fifth over. He bowls on the leg stump and De Villiers flicks it to fine leg for a single off the first ball. Beautiful delivery from Rahat Ali and it misses Miller completely. After two dot balls, it hits Miller's back pads. Pakistan players appeal and umpire gives it out.

Miller reviews and replay suggests the ball would have gone to hit the middle and leg stump. That's the end of his innings. JP Duminy is the new man in the middle and he will face the last ball of the over. He drives it down the ground for four runs and gets off the mark.

WICKET...!!! David Miller 0 (13) lbw Rahat Ali

Over 15: South Africa 76 for 4: AB de Villiers 3 (13), David Miller 0 (10)

De Villiers takes a single to mid off from Wahab Riaz's first ball of third over. A very good over from Riaz as Miller is struggling to get off the strike. He is yet to open the account.

Over 14: South Africa 75 for 4: AB de Villiers 2 (12), David Miller 0 (5)

Rahat Ali is in his fourth over. De Villiers is on strike and no run has come off the first three deliveries. The captain gets off the strike with a single to square leg. It is followed by a dot ball to finish the over. Just 1 run from the over.

Over 13: South Africa 74 for 4: AB de Villiers 1 (7), David Miller 0 (4)

Wahab Riaz is in his second over. Starts with a dot ball, followed by a short ball. Rossouw pulls it and Sohail Khan makes no mistake in catching it at fine leg. That's the end of Rossouw. David Miller replaces him and South Africa have lost three quick wickets.

A dot ball to start for Miller and it is followed by another quicker delivery from. It is followed by two dot balls and that is a second wicket maiden for Wahab Riaz.

WICKET...!!! Rilee Rossouw 6 (9) c Sohail Khan B Wahab Riaz

Over 12: South Africa 74 for 3: AB de Villiers 1 (7), Rilee Rossouw 6 (7)

Rahat Ali continues and Rossouw drives the first ball, It touches Rahat and goes to mid on, He takes a single and is off the mark. De Villiers then flicks it to fine leg for a single and even the skipper is off the mark.

It is followed by a four from Rossouw to long on. Rossouw takes a quick single and then AB de Villiers finishes the over with a dot ball.

Last 2 overs: 0 runs, 2 wickets

Over 11: South Africa 67 for 3: AB de Villiers 0 (5), Rilee Rossouw 0 (3)

Wahab Riaz is the new bowler introduced into the attack. The first ball did not bounce as expected and it takes a thick edge and Sarfraz takes a good catch. AB de Villiers is the new man and they have two batsmen, who just walked into the middle. No run of this over and Riaz finishes the over with a dot ball. Another wicket maiden.

WICKET...!!! Hashim Amla 38 (27) c Sarfraz b Wahab Riaz

End of mandatory powerplay. South Africa 67/2 after 10 overs.

Over 10: South Africa 67 for 2: Hashim Amla 38 (26), Rilee Rossouw 0 (3)

Rahat Ali continues his second over and it is the last over of the mandatory powerplay. He starts with two dot balls. It is followed by another delivery outside off stump and it takes a thick edge as he opens the face of the bat, resulting in a simple catch to Sarfraz.

Rilee Rossouw is the new man in the middle. He decides to leave the first ball he faced. It is followed by two dot balls to finish the over. It's a wicket maiden

WICKET...!!! Faf du Plessis 27 (29) c Sarfraz b Rahat Ali

Over 9: South Africa 67 for 1: Hashim Amla 38 (26), Faf du Plessis 27 (26)

Shahid Afridi is introduced into the attack. No run off the first two deliveries. Amla gets a double as the ball slides on to his pads and behind square. After a dot ball, Amla slashes it between point and cover for a boundary. He ends the over with a dot ball. 6 runs off the over.

Over 8: South Africa 61 for 1: Hashim Amla 32 (20), Faf du Plessis 27 (26)

Change of bowling as Rahat Ali replaces Sohail Khan. He is hoping to get a little bit of swing and try to trouble South Africa batsmen. No run off the first two balls and a short pitch delivery from Rahat Ali sees him gets punished by hooking it over the fine leg fielder for a six.

Du Plessis finishes the over with a boundary with a full over deep square leg. 10 runs from the over.

Over 7: South Africa 51 for 1: Hashim Amla 32 (20), Faf du Plessis 17 (20)

Irfan in his fourth over and after a dot ball, Du Plessis pulls it towards deep square leg and gets four runs. Inside edge and Du Plessis gets a single as the ball races to the fine leg. Irfan bowls it on the pads and Amla flicks and he beats the square leg fielder as the ball races to the boundary.

It is followed by a dot ball and Amla pulls it through mid on and the ball races through deep midwicket boundary to finish the over. That brings South Africa's 50.

Over 6: South Africa 38 for 1: Hashim Amla 24 (17), Faf du Plessis 12 (17)

Du Plessis slaps away through the covers and gets three runs off the first ball of Sohail Khan's third over. Amla drives through extra cover and beats the mid off fielder and gets a boundary. It is followed by a pull shot for a deep midwicket boundary.

Amla then slashes it through point and cover for a boundary on the offiside. A very good over for South Africa as they get 15 runs off the over.

Over 5: South Africa 23 for 1: Hashim Amla 12 (12), Faf du Plessis 9 (16)

Irfan continues from the other end. After three dot balls, Faf takes a quick single, followed by a drive in between cover and mid off to deep cover boundary. Amla finishes the over with a dot ball. 5 runs off the over.

Over 4: South Africa 18 for 1: Hashim Amla 8 (10), Faf du Plessis 8 (12)

Sohail Khan starts his second over. No run off the first three balls, which includes a quicker delivery which just goes close to the off stump. Another quicker delivery hits Du Plessis leg and Pakistan players appeal. South African take a single off the leg bye. They reject the chance to take the review.

Amla then slices in between point and third man for a boundary. He finishes the over with a dot ball.

Over 3: South Africa 13 for 1: Hashim Amla 4 (8), Faf du Plessis 7 (8)

Irfan starts his second over. Du Plessis drives down the ground and it touches Irfan's fingers and runs to the boundary. That's his first boundary. He once again drives it towards cover and a brilliant fielding saves runs for Pakistan.

Du Plessis run for a quick single and as he dives, the right hander demolishes all three stumps at the non strikers end. A very good start to the over. It is followed by three dot balls. He leaves the last ball of Irfan's second over.

Over 2: South Africa 8 for 1: Hashim Amla 4 (4), Faf du Plessis 2 (6)

Sohail Kham partners Irfan to lead Pakistan's bowling attack. He starts with a beauty of a delivery to Du Plessis, which is followed by a dot ball. Sohail Khan then bowls a wide on the leg side and followed by another wide, once again on the leg side.

That's two wides so far in the second over. Du Plessis nudges the ball and then takes a quick single. Amla does not take run off the last three deliveries. Two wides and a single off the over.

Over 1: South Africa 5 for 1: Hashim Amla 4 (1), Faf du Plessis 1 (3)

Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock open South Africa's run chase, while Mohammad Irfan is handed the new ball. After a dot ball, a thick outside edge and De Kock gives a simple catch to Sarfraz. Early blow for South Africa.

Faf du Plessis is the new man in the middle and he takes a single off the third ball, followed by a boundary behind the keeper on the leg side by Hashim Amla.

WICKET...!!! Quinton de Kock 0 (3) c Sarfraz b Irfan

Meanwhile, in Sydney.

Dale Steyn celebrates the wicket of Misbah-ul-Haq.

Dale Steyn
[Getty]

South Africa need 232 runs to win (D/L method) in 47 overs after Pakistan were all out for 222 runs.

Over 47: Pakistan 222 for 10: Mohammed Irfan 1 (3)

Morkel starts the last over of the innings. He starts with a bouncer to the tall man Irfan. He then tries to walk down the pitch and an out swinger is misread by Irfan. He misses the ball as it goes past him to the keeper. Irfan gets off the mark with a single to fine leg, with a help of a inside edge.

Sohail Khan hits it high in the air and Duminy at mid off takes a simple catch. That brings end of Pakistan's innings, with two balls to spare.

WICKET...!!! Sohail Khan 3 (11) c Duminy b Morkel

Over 46: Pakistan 221 for 9: Mohammed Irfan 0 (0), Sohail Khan 3 (10)

Penultimate over of the innings and Steyn bowls his last over. Sohail Khan takes a single . Rahat Ali tries to clear the mid off and ends up giving a catch to Imran Tahir, who places himself to take a simple catch.

Mohammad Irfan is the last man to walk into the crease and he will start from the non strikers end. A dot ball is followed by another one. This time there was a mix up between the two batsmen. Irfan had already left the non strikers end and wanted a single.

Sohail Khan sends him back and a direct hit would have ended Pakistan's innings. He wanted a single off the last ball, but this time Irfan sends him back, but no chance of a run out there.

WICKET...!!! Rahat Ali 1 (6) c Tahir b Steyn

Over 45: Pakistan 220 for 8: Rahat Ali 1 (5), Sohail Khan 2 (5)

Rahat Ali is the new man, who is in strike. Morkel replaces Tahir and starts his over with two dot balls. Pakistan are unable to get the score board ticking as no run has come off the first four balls. He gets off the strike with a single to backward point.

Sohail Khan flicks it on leg side and gets a single as he places the ball to long leg. 2 runs from this over.

Over 44: Pakistan 218 for 8: Rahat Ali 0 (0), Sohail Khan 1 (4)

Steyn continues and Misbah flicks it just behind the keeper on the leg side for a boundary. It hits his thigh pad and called as four leg byes. A good start to the over for Pakistan. It is followed by two dot balls.

Misbah is struggling to keep the score board ticking. No run has come off the fourth ball. Just four runs from first four deliveries. A short pitch delivery and Misbha plays upper cut and gives an easy catch to Morkel at third man.

A little more power would have cleared Morkel's head. Rahat Ali is the new man in the middle, but will start from the non strikers end. Steyn finishes with a dot ball.

WICKET...!!! Misbah-ul-Haq 56 (86) c Morkel b Steyn

Over 43: Pakistan 214 for 7: Misbah-ul-Haq 56 (81), Sohail Khan 1 (3)

Imran Tahir bowls to the new man Wahab Riaz. Hits the pad and umpire lifts his finger. Riaz decides to review the decision. The review shows it is umpire's call and the original stays. It looked like a ore-meditated shot.

Sohail Khan is the new man in the middle and he comes out of the crease off the first ball he faces. He clears the bowler and gets a single. He is off the mark. Misbah takes another quick single and gets off the strike after a dot ball.

Tahir finishes the over with two dot balls. A very good over from the spinner as he picks up a wicket and concedes only 2 runs.

WICKET...!!! Wahab Riaz 0 (1) lbw Tahir

Over 42: Pakistan 212 for 6: Misbah-ul-Haq 55 (79), Wahab Riaz 0 (0)

Misbah starts the over with a double towards deep fine leg. Misbah puts it to third man and gets a single, which brings Afridi on strike. Afridi connects it very well and he clears the deep midwicket fielder into the stands for a six.

Afridi tries to clear the boundary once again, but ends up giving a simple catch to Duminy at deep square leg. Duminy makes no mistakes. Steyn finishes the over with two dots.

WICKET...!!! Shahid Afridi 22 (15) c Duminy b Steyn

Over 41: Pakistan 203 for 5: Misbah-ul-Haq 52 (75), Shahid Afridi 16 (12)

Abbott to Misbah and takes a single off the first ball. After rain interrupted the play for the second time in the game. Afridi starts with a single and gets Misbah on strike. A misfield results in a single. Afridi makes room and smashes the ball over deep cover boundary. That brings Pakistan's 200. It is followed by two dot balls to finish the over.

The match has been reduced to 47 overs.

The match resumes once again and Abbott continues the 41st over.

Match has been reduced

Groundsmen cover the wicket due to rain during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and Pakistan at Eden Park.

Groundsmen
[Getty]

Pakistan 197/5 after 40.1 overs, before rain once again interrupted the play for second time in this match.

Better view of the current situation at Eden Park.

As per Duckworth-Lewis method, South Africa will have a target of 240 runs from 40 overs if Pakistan do not bat again today.

Only if Pakistan do not bat again that is.

SCORE ALERT...!!! Ireland 41/1 after 10 overs against Zimbabwe

The match is disrupted again and this time it is raining heavily.

Over 40: Pakistan 196 for 5: Misbah-ul-Haq 50 (73), Shahid Afridi 11 (9)

Steyn bowls the last over of the powerlay. Misbah flicks the first ball to fine leg and gets a single. He moves on to 49. A quicker delivery from Steyn takes Afridi by surprise as the ball races to third man for a single.

A dot ball from Misbah is followed by a quick single from Misbah, which helps him reach his 50. Two quick balls from Steyn to Afridi finishes the over. 3 from the over.

Over 39: Pakistan 193 for 5: Misbah-ul-Haq 48 (70), Shahid Afridi 10 (6)

Abbott starts his new over with a dot ball as Misbah is on strike. He taps it on the leg side to midwicket and gets a single. The bat slips off Misbah's hands as he moves to the non strikers end.

Afridi clears the mid on fielder but there was no much power in the shot, gets two runs. He then takes a single after pulling it to leg side. Misbah just puts it past Amla at gully and Tahir had no chance to save the ball from running to the boundary at third man. He finishes the over with a single.

Over 38: Pakistan 184 for 5: Misbah-ul-Haq 42 (66), Shahid Afridi 7 (4)

Leg spinner Tahir comes into the attack. Misbah sweeps and gets a single off the first ball. Afridi to face Tahir now. He gets off the mark with a single. A dot ball is followed by a single from Misbah. Afridi sends the fifth ball into the stands down the long off. He finishes the over with a dot ball.

The covers are off the ground and the play resumes.

We now have a confirmation.

It is likely the play might resume in sometime. If that happens, there will be no overs lost and the innings break could be reduced.

SCORE ALERT...!!! Ireland 16/1 after 3 over against Zimbabwe.

AB de Villiers of South Africa celebrates his wicket of Younis Khan of Pakistan (L) during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and Pakistan.

AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers of South Africa celebrates his wicket of Younis Khan of Pakistan (L) during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and Pakistan [Getty]

The weather report prior to the start of this clash did suggest rain during the match.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe v Ireland have just started. Zimbabwe won the toss and they elected to bat first.

Score Alert...!!! Ireland are 9/0 after 1 over.

Play has been stopped due to the rain. Umpires call the groundsmen, who cover the pitch.

Over 37: Pakistan 175 for 5: Misbah-ul-Haq 40 (63), Shahid Afridi 0 (1)

Morkel starts after the drinks break and Misbah takes a single to third man. After a dot ball, Akmal was about to be caught at point as the ball pitches just ahead of Rossouw, who dives forward to take the catch. No run taken. It is followed by another dot ball.

Akmal pulls it hoping to clear the mid on. However, he gives a catch to De Villiers at mid-on and the South African captain takes a good catch to end Akmal's time in the middle. Shahid Afridi is the new man in the middle and he misses the first ball. That's the end of the over. A wicket and a run off it.

WICKET...!!! Umar Akmal 13 (20) c De Villiers b Morkel

Over 36: Pakistan 174 for 4: Misbah-ul-Haq 39 (62), Umar Akmal 13 (16)

Batting Powerplay and Dale Steyn is brought into the attack. There is a bit of wind. Misbah gets off the strike with a single. After a dot ball, a short delivery from Steyn sees Akmal pull it to midwicket for a boundary.

Steyn responds with a quick bouncer. Akmal gets off the strike with a single to fine leg. A quick single from Misbah finishes the over and it is time for drinks break.

It's time for Batting Powerplay now.

Over 35: Pakistan 167 for 4: Misbah-ul-Haq 37 (60), Umar Akmal 8 (12)

Abbott comes into the attack and this time he changes the ends. After two dot balls, Akmal takes a single by taping the ball to midwicket. It is followed by two dot balls from Misbah. A slower one and Misbah picks a single off the last ball of the over.

Over 34: Pakistan 165 for 4: Misbah-ul-Haq 36 (57), Umar Akmal 7 (9)

Despite picking a wicket, Abbott is replaced by Tahir and starts the over a dot ball. A quicker one and that takes an inside edge and hits Akmal's pads. It is followed by two dot balls. This time Akmal pulls it to midwicket and gets a single. Tahir finishes the over with a dot ball. A very tidy over as he concedes only one run.

Over 33: Pakistan 164 for 4: Misbah-ul-Haq 36 (56), Umar Akmal 6 (4)

Umar Akmal is the new man in the middle and De Villiers continues with the ball. Misbah takes a single and gets Akmal on strike. He gets off the mark with a boundary over mid on fielder. Akmal finishes the over and plays once again the same shot. It is followed by three more singles to finish the over.

Over 32: Pakistan 156 for 4: Misbah-ul-Haq 34 (54),

Abbott continues to attack and has a slip in place. Misbah is on strike and starts with three dot balls. He then finds the gap square of third man and gets a double. Misbah slices it over point and it lands in no man's land. He gets a single. Maqsood then gives a simple catch to Rossouw at point and that brings an end to his innings and also the over as well.

WICKET...!!! Sohaib Maqsood 8 (16) c Rossouw b Abbott

Over 31: Pakistan 153 for 3: Misbah-ul-Haq 31 (49), Sohaib Maqsood 8 (15)

De Villiers in his fifth over and starts with a dot ball. A wide is followed by a boundary from Misbah to long on. That brings Pakistan's 150. Uppish and Misbah slices to deep backward point for a single to finish the over. 6 runs from the over.

Over 30: Pakistan 147 for 3: Misbah-ul-Haq 26 (43), Sohaib Maqsood 8 (15)

Morkel is replaced by Kyle Abbott and Maqsood starts the over with a single to third man. Misbah takes a single and it is followed by a quicker delivery from Abbott, which forces Maqsood to duck.

A dot ball is followed by another one as Abbott manages to beat Maqsood after bowling outside off stump. He finishes the over with a dot ball and two runs have come off it.

Over 29: Pakistan 145 for 3: Misbah-ul-Haq 25 (42), Sohaib Maqsood 7 (10)

De Villiers continues after picking up a wicket in his previous over. Misbah starts the new over with a single. Two dot balls and then Maqsood takes a single by punching past point. A dot ball is followed by a boundary off the last ball to deep midwicket. 6 runs from it.

Over 28: Pakistan 139 for 3: Misbah-ul-Haq 20 (39), Sohaib Maqsood 6 (7)

Morkel is bowling his seventh over to Misbah and he has a slip in place. He takes a single to third man. Additional slip and a gully comes in for Maqsood. He punches down the ground and Dale Steyn cuts it off near the boundary. Maqsood gets off the mark with a double.

Morkel is getting some movement. After a dot ball, Maqsood taps to long off and he gets his first boundary. He then misses the ball and South Africans make a half hearted appeal. 5 runs from the over.

Over 27: Pakistan 132 for 3: Misbah-ul-Haq 18 (39), Sohaib Maqsood 0 (2)

Despite an expensive over, De Villiers continues and Misbah takes a single from the first ball. After a dot ball, Younis then takes a single by sweeping to leg side. Morkel cuts it off at short fine leg. It is followed by another single from Misbah.

Younis Khan was trying to clear mid-on after with a back foot. However, he gives a simple catch to Rossouw at mid on and that is the end of his innings. De Villiers gets a wicket. Sohaib Maqsood is the new batsman and he starts his innings with two dot balls.

WICKET...!!! Younis Khan 37 (44) c Rossouw b De Villiers

Over 26: Pakistan 129 for 2: Misbah-ul-Haq 16 (36), Younis Khan 36 (41)

Morkel continues his sixth over and starts with a dot ball as Misbah is on strike. He then takes a quick single, followed by another single from Younis Khan to third man. Misbah then gives the strike back to Younis with a help of a leg bye. Younis finishes the over with two dot balls.

Over 25: Pakistan 126 for 2: Misbah-ul-Haq 15 (33), Younis Khan 35 (39)

AB de Villiers is back after conceding nine runs off his first over. After a dot ball, Misbah pulls on the leg side and it goes straight in the hands of a deep midwicket fielder. It is followed by a single from Younis Khan.

De Villiers bowls outside leg stump and Misbah chips it and the ball just above Imran Tahir's head at short fine leg for a boundary. A single is followed by another boundary from Younis Khan. This time it is towards deep midwicket and that is the end of the over.

Over 24: Pakistan 115 for 2: Misbah-ul-Haq 9 (29), Younis Khan 30 (37)

Younis Khan opens the face of the bat and sends it to third man for a single off Morkel's first ball. Misbah then taps the second ball and he tries to take a single to third man off the next delivery. The ball bounces in front of the second slip and takes a deflection and goes to third man.

Lucky for Misbah. Younis then takes another single and gets Misbah on strike. Misbah moves away from the stumps and tries to flick it on the leg side. It hits his thigh pad and Pakistan get a run. Younis finishes the over with a dot ball.

Over 23: Pakistan 111 for 2: Misbah-ul-Haq 8 (26), Younis Khan 29 (34)

Tahir continues and he bowls his sixth over. Misbah is slowing down the scoring rate as five dot balls have come off this over and make it six as it is a maiden from Tahir.

Over 22: Pakistan 111 for 2: Misbah-ul-Haq 8 (20), Younis Khan 29 (34)

Morkel replaces Steyn and he starts his fourth over with three dot balls. It is followed by two more dot balls. Morkel finishes the over a quicker delivery and Misbah flicks it to square leg for a single. A very tidy over from Morkel as he concedes only one run.

Over 21: Pakistan 110 for 2: Misbah-ul-Haq 7 (14), Younis Khan 29 (34)

Tahir replaces Duminy and starts the new spell with a dot ball. It is followed by two singles from Misbah and Younis. No run off the next two deliveries and Misbah finishes the over with a single towards square leg.

Over 20: Pakistan 107 for 2: Misbah-ul-Haq 5 (9), Younis Khan 28 (33)

Steyn continues to attack after the drinks break and starts with a dot ball. Younis Khan then nudges it to third man for a single. Misbah leaves two deliveries and a short ball from Steyn has been called a wide from the square leg umpire.

Outside edge and Misbah takes a single to third man. Steyn to Younis and he finishes the over with a dot ball. A wide and two singles off the over.

Over 19: Pakistan 104 for 2: Misbah-ul-Haq 4 (6), Younis Khan 27 (30)

After conceding 21 runs in his previous over, Duminy replaces Tahir. Younis clips it behind the square for a single on the leg side. Misbah then places it to deep point and gets a single. Younis once again tucked away to square of the wicket and gets a single, followed by another single from Misbah.

Third man was inside the circle and Younis slices it for a boundary, which helps Pakistan reach 100. He then finishes the over with a single to long on. It's time for drinks break.

Over 18: Pakistan 95 for 2: Misbah-ul-Haq 2 (4), Younis Khan 20 (26)

Change of bowling as De Villiers brings his strike bowler Dale Styen into the attack. He has a slip and a gully in place for Misbah. He taps the first ball and takes a quick single. That was a risky single. No run from the next two balls and this time it is Younis' turn to take a quick single.

This is something Pakistan should avoid at this stage of the match. He ends the over with a quicker delivery. 2 runs from the over.

Over 17: Pakistan 93 for 2: Misbah-ul-Haq 1 (1), Younis Khan 19 (23)

Younis Khan takes a quick single off Tahir's first ball behind the stumps. Sarfraz is the man on fire and he needs to be given the strike. It is followed by two dot balls. Sarfraz flicks it to backward square leg and he wanted a quick double.

There was no double there and a brilliant throw from David Miller sees De Kock dislodge the bails even before Sarfraz makes his ground. The square leg umpire declares him out as there is no need for reviewing the decision.

What a way to give away the wicket. That is a breakthrough for South Africa as Sarfraz was the player in form. Misbah-ul-Haq is the new man in the middle and he has a slip in place. He gets off the mark with a single to long on. Younis finishes the over with a dot ball.

WICKET...!!! Sarfraz Ahmed 49 (49) run out

Over 16: Pakistan 90 for 1: Sarfraz Ahmed 48 (46), Younis Khan 18 (21)

Duminy to continue and starts with a dot ball. It is followed by a wide on the leg side and De Kock fails to catch the ball, leading in another extra run. Sarfraz uses his feet and sends the ball into the stands for Pakistan's first six over midwicket.

It is followed by another six and this time it is over deep midwicket. Sarfraz is on fire. A dot ball is followed by a wide on the leg side. Sarfraz once again uses his feet and he sends the ball once again to the stands over midwicket and that is the third six of the over. 21 runs off the over.

Over 15: Pakistan 69 for 1: Sarfraz Ahmed 30 (41), Younis Khan 18 (20)

Tahir continues his third over and starts with two dot balls. Two men square on the off side and Sarfraz cuts a quicker delivery and he manages to beats two fielders. He gets four runs. It is followed by a single down the long on. Younis takes a single after sweeping it to fine leg, followed by a dot ball from Sarfraz to finish the over.

Over 14: Pakistan 63 for 1: Sarfraz Ahmed 25 (36), Younis Khan 17 (19)

JP Duminy is the new man to join the bowling attack. Sarfraz and Younis takes four singles from the over as they rotate the strike. Sarfraz finishes the over with a dot ball.

Over 13: Pakistan 59 for 1: Sarfraz Ahmed 23 (33), Younis Khan 15 (16)

Tahir starts his third over with a dot ball. Younis Khan takes a single on the off side. Sarfraz just pulls and the ball just falls inches in front of the mid-on fielder. No run taken. After a dot ball, Sarfraz places it through cover and wanted a quick single. There was a chance of a run out, but both batsmen reach the crease. The over is ended with a boundary behind deep fine leg as it takes an edge and runs to the fence.

Over 12: Pakistan 54 for 1: Sarfraz Ahmed 19 (29), Younis Khan 14 (14)

AB de Villiers decides to join the bowling attack. He has a slip in place for Younis Khan. After three dot balls, Younis Khan smashes the ball which was way outside the off stump past the mid on and the ball races to the boundary. It is followed by a single, which brings Pakistan's 50. Sarfraz pulls one to fine leg and he finishes the over with a boundary.

Over 11: Pakistan 45 for 1: Sarfraz Ahmed 15 (28), Younis Khan 9 (9)

The end of powerplay and De Villiers introduces spin into the attack. Imran Tahir is bowling his first over. Sarfraz starts with a single behind the wicket. Younis Khan then smashes past the mid on and a misfield helps him to get a four runs.

He then places it past the mid off for a single. Sarfraz then cuts it behind the keeper and the third man is inside the circle. The ball races to the boundary. Tahir finishes the over with two dot balls.

End of mandatory Powerplay. Pakistan 35/1 after 10 overs.

Over 10: Pakistan 35 for 1: Sarfraz Ahmed 10 (24), Younis Khan 4 (7)

Last over the powerplay and Morkel starts his third over, Younis Khan gets off the mark with a double after nudging on the leg side. Injury to Haris Sohail has helped Younis to get back into the team.

A no ball from Morkel and Younis places it through extra cover. A very good fielding once again helps him to get two runs. A free hit and a chance goes wasted as no run take of the free hit. Morkel finishes the over with a bouncer.

Over 9: Pakistan 30 for 2: Sarfraz Ahmed 10 (24), Younis Khan 0 (0)

Despite conceded 18 runs from his first three overs, Abbott continues and starts his new over with two dot balls. Shehzad tries the off drive, but gives it straight to mid off. He gets it right this time off the third ball and plays a straight drive. The ball races to boundary in no time.

The second slip has come out to silly mid-on in the catching position. Shehzad tries to clear the mid on and he manages to do so. Dale Steyn runs backward and dives at the end to take a spectacular catch. That's the end of Shehzad.

Younis Khan is the new man in the middle and is at the non strikes end. The next two balls ends in no run.

WICKET...!!! Ahmed Shehzad 18 (30) c Steyn b Abbott

Over 8: Pakistan 26 for 0: Sarfraz Ahmed 10 (22), Ahmed Shehzad 14 (26)

Morkel continues and Shehzad opens the face of the bat and sends the ball to third man, gets a run. A dot ball is followed by a quick bouncer, which forces Sarfraz to duck. He then taps the ball off the fourth delivery and does the same with the fifth, this time on the leg side. Morkel ends the over with a dot ball. Another tidy over, just 1 run off it.

Over 7: Pakistan 25 for 0: Sarfraz Ahmed 10 (17), Ahmed Shehzad 13 (25)

Abbott is brought back into the attack and he bowls from North End. Looks like AB de Villiers wanted to change the ends for Abbott and thus replaced him with Steyn. A single from Sarfraz is followed by a dot ball. He then bowls down the leg side and it is called a wide. First wide of the match.

Shehzad pulls it in between deep square leg and deep midwicket and the ball pitches just in front of the fence. It is followed a single after flicking it to fine leg.

Over 6: Pakistan 18 for 0: Sarfraz Ahmed 9 (16), Ahmed Shehzad 8 (20)

Kyle Abbott is replaced in the sixth over by Morne Morkel. He starts with two dot balls as Sarfraz is on strike. Sarfraz is looking for those quick singles and he gets one this time by just tapping it very close to the second slip. Two dot balls from Shehzad is followed by a bouncer from Morkel to finish the over. Just 1 run from the over.

Over 5: Pakistan 17 for 0: Sarfraz Ahmed 8 (13), Ahmed Shehzad 8 (17)

Steyn is bowling his third over. Sarfraz is standing outside the crease and he taps the first ball, looking for a quick single. Shehzad sends him back and has a chat with him. Looks like he urges him not to take risky singes.

Sarfraz takes a single and gets off the strike. Those were the first run conceded by Steyn in his third over. Another quicker delivery from Steyn and Shehzad decides to leave it, only for it to hit the toe of the bat and take an inside edge to run to the fence. He gets four runs. Steyn bounces back three dot balls to finish the over. 5 runs from it.

Over 4: Pakistan 12 for 0: Sarfraz Ahmed 7 (11), Ahmed Shehzad 4 (13)

Abbott is in his second over and Sarfraz comes down the pitch for an uppish delivery. He takes a single to third man and gets off the strike. Third slip has been placed for Shehzad as South Africa hope they can get him out.

Shehzad plays the off drive on the front foot and he gets off the mark with a boundary at long off. Two dot balls to finish the over.

Over 3: Pakistan 7 for 0: Sarfraz Ahmed 6 (10), Ahmed Shehzad 0 (8)

Steyn continues and Shehzad starts with a dot ball. The next ball takes an edge as he opens the face of the bat. The ball just bounces in front of the fielder at third slip. It is followed by three dot balls. No run have come off the first five deliveries. Steyn finishes the over with a dot ball and that's a maiden.

Over 2: Pakistan 7 for 0: Sarfraz Ahmed 6 (10), Ahmed Shehzad 0 (2)

Kyle Abbott will partner Dale Steyn to lead South Africa's bowling attack. After a dot ball, Sarfraz flicks a straight delivery from Abbott towards square leg for his and Pakistan's first boundary of the match.

Sarfraz places it past the mid wicket fielder and gets two more runs. The last ball hits Sarfraz's pad and there was an appeal from South African players, but umpire is not interested as Sarfraz was outside the crease.

Over 1: Pakistan 1 for 0: Sarfraz Ahmed 0 (4), Ahmed Shehzad 0 (2)

Sarfraz Ahmed and Ahmed Shehzad will open Pakistan's innings, while Dale Styen takes the new ball. It is Sarfraz's first match of this World Cup. No run off the first two balls. Steyn is getting some early movement.

Sarfraz is facing the new ball, while Shehzad is on the non strikers end. A leg bye and first run is on the board and Sarfraz is off the strike. A very good delivery from Steyn and the ball slowly goes to fielder at point. No run taken. Shehzad finishes the over with another dot ball.

Pakistan will be looking for a big opening partnership against South Africa as they have lost early wickets in the first four matches.

Both teams players take the field for the National Anthem.

Only Quinton de Kock has not scored a century from the top 6 South African batsmen in this World Cup.

Ian Botham on today's pitch

There is sunshine over the ground at the moment, but what will be of some concern to the ground staff is the forecast of rain later on. It looks a magnificent one-day pitch, but you will have to factor in the weather. It is a small ground so it will be hard to defend, but both options from the outset look good as the pitch should hold up.

JP Duminy makes it back into the team, while Vernon Philander is dropped.

TEAM NEWS

Pakistan: Ahmed Shehzad, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq (C), Sohaib Maqsood, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Wahab Riaz, Rahat Ali, Sohail Khan, Mohammad Irfan

South Africa: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (WK), Faf du Plessis, Rilee Rossouw, AB de Villiers (C), David Miller, JP Duminy, Kyle Abbott, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir.

TOSS...!!! South Africa have won the toss and AB de Villiers has elected to bowl first.

Two captains AB de Villiers and Misbah-ul-Haq walk into the middle for the toss.

First look at today's pitch.

New Zealand and India have qualified for the next round of the World Cup. A win today for South Africa will help them make it to the knockout stages.

Eden Park is ready

We will have the toss in less than 10 minutes.

Hashim Amla (R) and South African coach Russell Domingo (L) attend the South Africa team training session before their 2015 Cricket World Cup match against Pakistan.

Russell Domingo-Hashim Amla
[Getty]

Misbah-ul-Haq

"If we have deficiencies in the batting line-up, we can cover it up with some really good fielding and support our bowling line-up that has been doing really well for us."

Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad

If Irfan gets unfit, Pakistan could contemplate including Yasir Shah in the playing XI because attacking South Africa with spinners is much better choice than the fast bowlers. We have already seen South Africans being curtailed by Indian spinners.

South Africa and Pakistan have played thrice in the World Cup and Pakistan have lost all three matches. Can they manage their first win when they take on the Proteas on Saturday?

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq

Everybody is determined. We all know that this is an important game if we really want to progress in this World Cup. We're really focused, determined, and looking forward to this game.

South Africa bowler Dale Styen

I feel like we are playing some good cricket. We're starting to figure out a way. We're putting this puzzle together and everything is coming together quite nicely.

JP Duminy and Vernon Philander have passed fitness tests and have made themselves available for Pakistan clash. Will they be included in the playing XI today? The team news will be out very soon after the toss.

It's all happening at Eden Park.

South Africa on the other hand, bounced back from their defeat at the hands of India with two 400 plus total against West Indies in Ireland in the last two fixtures. The Proteas won the two matches and are a win away from being the third team, after New Zealand and India, to qualify for the knockout phase of the World Cup.

After a poor start to the World Cup with two defeats against India and West Indies, Pakistan have bounced back with victories over UAE and Zimbabwe.

Hello and welcome to IBTimes UK's LIVE coverage of the Group B clash between Pakistan and South Africa from the ICC World Cup 2015. We are scheduled to get started at 12:00am GMT.