Imran Tahir becomes leading wicket-taker for South Africa in World Cup tournaments

LONDON:  Imran Tahir's second wicket in the clash against Pakistan on Sunday helped him surpass Allan Donald's record for the most number of wickets taken by a South African player in World Cup tournaments.

Imran Tahir became the most successful bowler for the Proteas in World Cup history after he dismissed Pakistani opener Imam-ul-Haq, taking his 39th wicket in 20 World Cup games till date. 

Tahir's second wicket against Pakistan helped him move over the previous South African leading wicket-taker Allan Donald's record of 38 wickets in 25 matches.

The leg-break bowler successfully scalped Pakistan's opening pair by dismissing Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq in the initial overs of his spell, reducing Pakistan to 98-2. 

He nearly picked up a third wicket, finding the edge of Mohammad Hafeez, but the ball slipped through wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock's gloves.

The 40-year-old has awed in spite of South Africa's poor performance in the World Cup 2019. Imran Tahir has picked up eight wickets for his side in five matches so far.