There is a point in the sci-fi classic, The Matrix, when the newly recruited hero, Neo, is in the subway under pursuit from the seemingly unstoppable villain, Agent Smith.

Our hero, who has struggled for belief until now, rather than take the logical course of action and run, stands his ground in the face of impossible odds. His mentor Morpheus, who is observing from afar, comes to a realisation about Neo and gasps, “He is beginning to believe.”

Today, in a thrilling game against South Africa, it seems Pakistan, too, stood their ground and found some self-belief. The stars, of course, were the fast bowlers.

Know more: Seamers, Sarfraz inspire as rampant Pakistan sink South Africa

Defending another mediocre total, the seamers were tremendous in their defense; bowling with bounce, swing, and accuracy, as they shook the South African batting to its core.

Credit must go to the skipper Misbah-ul-Haq for once again defending a below par total, with intelligent use of his resources through tight field-settings. Credit must also go to the team for not losing hope after South Africa took command of the chase with an aggressive start.

Coach Waqar Younis has worked hard on improving the bowling lengths of his young charges, and the result was an exceptional performance.

While Waqar has been criticised for using Rahat Ali instead of Yasir Shah as the fifth bowler, the decision has paid off so far. Rahat Ali is improving all the time, has been a key element in three Pakistan victories; his unplayable yorker was the delivery of the day.

Quinton de Kock wears a wry smile after falling to a bouncy Irfan delivery. —AP

But where management is to be commended for Pakistan’s efforts in the field, they must explain their mistreatment of Sarfraz Ahmed.

Sarfraz’s innings was like the introduction of broadband to a team stuck on dial-up.

Though not always aggressive, he maintained intent with his body language by staying consistently on the front foot. It was a welcome change for Pakistan to have a top order batsman on the prowl for any scoring opportunities every delivery.

As a result, South Africa grew more defensive, allowing Pakistan more opportunities to score.

Supported well by Younis Khan and some perplexing bowling decisions by South African skipper AB de Villiers, Sarfraz helped Pakistan reach 90/1 at the end of 16 overs. Yes, Pakistan. Yes, against South Africa. Yes, a run rate of 5.62.