The result marked Pakistan’s best World Cup finish since 2006, when they finished sixth. The Green Shirts had secured 12th place in both the 2010 and 2018 editions, while they failed to qualify for the 2014 and 2023 tournaments.
South Africa made a strong start, taking the lead in the eighth minute through Trevor de Lora before Dayaan Cassiem doubled the advantage three minutes into the second quarter.
Pakistan responded strongly, with Afraz and Mohammad Ammad scoring to level the contest before halftime.
Rana Waheed Ashraf then put Pakistan ahead early in the third quarter, but Mustaphaa Cassiem restored parity in the 40th minute to make it 3-3.
The final quarter produced further drama. South Africa regained the lead through Mustaphaa, who converted a penalty corner in the 55th minute.
Pakistan refused to give up and forced the match into a shootout after Muhammad Hammaduddin scored in the final minute to make it 4-4.
Both sides converted their opening two attempts in the shootout. South Africa’s Hans Neethling and Jamie Seales then missed their next two efforts, while Hannan Shahid scored for Pakistan to give the Green Shirts a 3-2 advantage.
Rana Waheed Ashraf had the chance to seal victory but missed, allowing Mustaphaa to level the shootout at 3-3.
The decisive moment then fell to former Pakistan captain Ammad Butt, who kept his composure and converted the winning penalty to secure Pakistan’s 11th-place finish.
The victory capped a strong recovery by Pakistan after their return to the World Cup stage and gave the Green Shirts their highest finish in the tournament since 2006.
