SA restrict Pakistan

Upbeat South Africa came close to registering a series win after dismissing Pakistan to 192 in 49.3 overs in the fifth and final day-night limited-overs international at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Sunday.

All-rounder Abdul Razzaq made a fighting 38 and Rashid Latif notched 25 as the home team struggled after winning the toss and electing to bat on a slow paced wicket, much to the disappointment of a capacity holiday crowd of 18,000.

Razzaq, whose 51-ball knock claimed three boundaries, added 36 for the eighth wicket with Latif after Pakistan stuttering at 116-6 in the 32nd over.

Latif continued his fight with another 28-run stand for the ninth wicket with Mohammad Sami who made 22 as the last four wickets added 76 invaluable runs.

Shaun Pollock finished with 3-33.

Pakistan lost opener Mohammad Hafeez in the second over when Andre Nel hit the middle stump in a disastrous start to their innings.

The in-form Yousuf Youhana survived 10 deliveries before he was trapped leg before by Shaun Pollock without scoring, leaving Pakistan 16-2 after five overs.

Nel, who took 2-36, then had Yasir Hameed caught at short mid-wicket off an uppish flick in the 10th over for a 39-ball 28 including two boundaries.

Pakistan captain Inzamamul Haq, who missed the last two games due to injury, and Younis Khan added 40 for the fourth wicket before both fell within the space of five runs as stand-in captain Mark Boucher continued to apply pressure.

Inzamam, showing signs of discomfort due to injury, failed to beat Jacques Rudolph's direct throw from mid-on and was run out for 36th time in his 298-match career.

Younis missed a delivery from left-arm spinner Robin Peterson and was bowled for 13 as the home team lost half of the side for 80.

Pakistan brought in Inzamam, Razzaq and leg-spinner Danish Kaneria for Faisal Iqbal, Naved Latif and Shabbir Ahmed while the tourists were forced to induct Neil McKenzie and Alan Dawson for suspended captain Graeme Smith and Andrew Hall.

Smith and Hall were suspended for breaching conduct codes in the second match in Lahore last week.