Pakistan earned a 19-run victory by the Duckworth/Lewis method to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals from Group B.

They had reached 119-3 after 27 overs when persistent rainfall brought proceedings to a premature close.

The well-disciplined Pakistan bowling unit produced a clinical display to restrict South Africa to 219-8 from their 50 overs.

It could have been much worse for the South Africans, however, as they teetered at 90-4 and 118-6.

Only a timely intervention from David Miller, who scored a much-needed unbeaten 75 off 104 balls, prevented further damage but the score was comfortably short of what they would have been expecting.

Fast-bowler Hasan Ali was the star performer with the ball for Pakistan, taking 3-24, while Junaid Khan and Imad Wasim chipped in with two apiece.

Wasim's two wickets included that of dangerman AB De Villiers, who was out for his first one-day international golden duck.

In reply, Pakistan had made good progress towards the total as Fakhar Zaman gave his side a decent platform with 31 off 23 balls before an inspired spell from Morne Morkel threatened to turn the contest in South Africa's favour.

Morkel removed Fakhar after he edged to slip and he then quickly dismissed Azhar Ali two deliveries later.

Although they struggled to score quick runs - only 20 were added from 10 overs - Babar Azam and Hafeez survived and they were able to help guide Pakistan towards the required DLS par score.

They then managed to edge in front before the rain came down and stopped play for the day.

"It was a team effort," said Ali. 

"I stuck to my plan and we all stuck to our plan. 

"I dropped a catch in the last game, so I knew I had to cover that and I did it nicely.

"It's very important to win man of the match because it's my first ICC event. 

"I'm very excited."

The tournament continues tomorrow when India and Sri Lanka clash in Group B at The Oval in London.