Younus Khan praised Pakistan's ability to build steady partnerships after they beat South Africa by one wicket in the fourth ODI.
Pakistan level one-day series in thrilling fashion
Younus Khan praised Pakistan's ability to build steady partnerships after they kept the one-day series against South Africa alive with a one-wicket success in the fourth one-day international.
Pakistan chased down a target of 275 with one ball to spare in Dubai to level the series at 2-2 and set up a decider on Monday.
Former skipper Younus top-scored with 73 and shared in stands of 58 with Mohammad Hafeez, 56 with Asad Shafiq, 40 with captain Shahid Afridi and 49 with Abdul Razzaq to keep his side ahead of the run-rate for most of the game.
But a late wobble meant it was left to Zulqarnain Haider (19no) to steer Pakistan across the winning line from the penultimate delivery.
Plan
"The plan was to play as many overs as possible," said Younus. "If there was a set batsman at the crease, it would have been easy for Razzaq and the other free-scoring batsmen.
"We had three or four partnerships and we needed them to chase this kind of a score. The main thing is to get partnerships going.
"We are working hard and you've seen that from the way we've played in the last three games. Hopefully we'll win this series."
South Africa captain Graeme Smith lamented his side's numerous mistakes in the field.
He himself dropped Riaz in the 47th over, while there were several missed run-out chances as the pressure mounted.
"I think generally throughout the 50 overs we weren't great in the field," said Smith.
Disappointing
"We then had a chance to win it, but we didn't it. It's very disappointing to lose."
Smith, who made 92 after returning to the side following a two-match absence due to injury, thought his side had done enough with the bat to win.
"I thought 270 was a great total on that wicket," he added. "I thought if we bowled well then we had a good chance of winning. But we battled throughout with the ball. There was a lot of dew around.
"Pakistan held their nerve in the end and it sets up a nice game on Monday."
