JOHANNESBURG, Feb 14: Shaun Pollock produced a masterly bowling performance as South Africa crushed Pakistan by nine wickets in the fifth one-day international at the Wanderers Stadium here on Wednesday to clinch the series 3-1. One match had been rained off.

Pollock took five for 23 as Pakistan were bowled out for 153.

None of the batsmen, except Shoaib Malik, could offer sustained resistance. Malik scored made 43 not out off 70 balls.

In reply, AB de Villiers and Jacques Kallis hit half-centuries as South Africa cruised to victory with 21.4 overs to spare. Pakistan hopes were raised briefly when Graeme Smith was caught behind off Mohammad Asif for nought.

Asif and Rao Iftikhar Anjum bowled well and forced De Villiers and Kallis onto the defensive as the pitch seemed to gain extra life under the floodlights.

But then Kallis hit Iftikhar for six, four and four off successive balls and followed up with two boundaries off the next two deliveries he faced, from Asif in the next over, as South Africa took control, ultimately reaching the score in the 29th over.—AFP