Why bother playing a match that’s decided at the toss?

“It felt like there were moments where, if we got on top and ran with a bit of momentum, the result could have been different.” – Aiden Markram

Telford Vice / Cape Town

IT will be no comfort to South Africa that their total in Lahore on Wednesday is bigger than the highest successful fourth innings at the Gaddafi. They lost. That’s what will matter to them.

Even so, it’s worth remembering that in November 1984, Pakistan — chasing 178 to beat New Zealand — made 181/4. On Wednesday, the...