South Africa's hopes of reaching the World Cup semi-finals are over as their nightmare tournament continued with a 49-run defeat to Pakistan at Lord's.
The Proteas have failed to pass the group stages for just the second time and face two dead rubbers over the next two weeks.
South Africa failed to reach the knockout rounds as hosts in 2003, but still won three of their six encounters.
Head coach Ottis Gibson's men have only beaten minnows Afghanistan at this tournament, and still have to face Sri Lanka and Australia.
Even three wins in nine matches would not gloss a woeful campaign, but given the Proteas' dire form the chance of consolation victories appears remote.
Shot of the day
Haris Sohail's 89 came to define Pakistan's battling victory, and one rangy six over midwicket off Lungi Ngidi summed up his pugnacious innings.
Ball of the day
Wahab Riaz's swinging yorker pinged Chris Morris' leg stump with the South Africa all-rounder entirely unable to adjust his feet and make any connection whatsoever. Pakistan were well en route to victory by the time Wahab cashed in on the wickets, but in any context this was quality one-day bowling.
Stat of the day
South African Bowling Royalty@ImranTahirSA is now the most prolific Proteas bowler in world cups
He is amongst some distinguished names to have played for South Africa alongside @AllanDonald33, @7polly7, @DaleSteyn62 & @mornemorkel65#ProteaFire🔥 #CWC19 #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/wKfYiDqvwy
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) June 23, 2019
Imran Tahir has more World Cup wickets than any other South Africa bowler, overtaking Allan Donald's 38 with a brace against Pakistan at Lord's.
Catch of the day
Don't blink because you might miss it.
Immy's reflexes are very sharp, he hardly had time to react as he took that brilliant one handed catch of his own bowling.#ProteaFire🔥 #CWC19 #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/u2lgPtlW1B
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) June 23, 2019
Tahir's stunning snatch take from his own bowling to dismiss Imam Ul Haq briefly gave South Africa hope of a last-gasp resurgence. The in-form spinner had all too little support from his struggling team-mates however, as the Proteas' already thin semi-final hopes were finally extinguished.
Tweet of the day
Well Played @iHarisSohail. Pakistan played pressure free cricket today. This is whats required. They should win the game from here and keep all of our hopes alive. #PAKvSA #CWC19
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) June 23, 2019
Quote of the day
South Africa captain Faf Du Plessis: "It's becoming a little bit embarrassing, we're trying but it's not good enough."
Tournament tracker
What's next?
June 24: Afghanistan v Bangladesh at Southampton.
Table
