RAWALPINDI, Pakistan, 12 October 2003 — A depleted South Africa face a hard task if they are to pull off a series winner in the fifth and final day-night limited overs match against Pakistan here today.
International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Clive Lloyd has barred South African captain Graeme Smith and all-rounder Andrew Hall from the fifth one-dayer for discipline breaches in the second one-day in Lahore last Sunday.
Hall is also banned for two Test matches.
Their penalties relate to charges brought by ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed based on video evidence of an incident when Pakistan were batting during the second match of the ongoing five-match series.
Hall apparently elbowed Youhana on his follow through. Both were engaged in a verbal argument and were charged with bringing the game into disrepute. Hall was further charged with inappropriate and deliberate contact. Smith was charged for using abusive language during the incident.
Vice captain Mark Boucher will lead the side in Smiths absence.
“It is extremely disappointing to lose Smith and Hall for the important match on Sunday but we are appealing the Test ban on Hall,” said South Africa media spokesman Gerald de Kock.
Pakistan won the first two matches — by eight and 42 runs respectively while the tourists in a strong comeback recorded a 13-run and six wickets wins in the last two games.
Pakistan is boosted by the return of their captain Inzamam-ul Haq, who missed the last two games due to hamstring problem, and all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, who had to sit out due to stomach ailment.
“It was desperate to sit out and see my side losing both the games but I am definitely playing on Sunday and hope it helps my side get the final win,” said Inzamam.
He said injuries halted his side’s progress in the series and insisted South Africa would still present a formidable side despite absences.
“South Africa is a very balanced side so I don’t think Smiths absence would make much difference,” said Inzamam.
