Boje and Kirsten the heroes for S Africa

Half centuries by Gary Kirsten and Nicky Boje helped South Africa to a crushing 93-run victory over Pakistan in the Singapore Challenge final yesterday.

Half centuries by Gary Kirsten and Nicky Boje helped South Africa to a crushing 93-run victory over Pakistan in the Singapore Challenge final yesterday.

The match had to be reduced to 35 overs a side after South Africa's innings was interrupted by rain. They scored 197 for seven, leaving Pakistan a target of 215 under the Duckworth-Lewis system. Pakistan were bowled out for just 121 in 28.1 overs.

Opener Kirsten and left-arm spinner Boje, promoted to number four as pinch-hitter, carried the attack to the Pakistani bowlers after the first two wickets had fallen for 29.

They took the score to 70 off 15 overs when rain forced a three-hour delay after which the pair carried on where they had left off. Boje cut and pulled with authority to reach his half century with six fours and a six. He finished with 54 off 48 balls.

Kirsten reached his third 50 of the tournament off 57 balls with five fours, eventually falling to Azhar Mahmood for 62.