South Africa
DURBAN: South Africa secured an 11-run victory against Pakistan in the first T20I of the three-match series at Kingsmead Stadium on Tuesday. Despite a valiant effort by skipper Muhammad Rizwan, Pakistan fell short in their chase of the 184-run target set by the Proteas.
Batting first, the home side recovered from an early collapse to post a challenging total. South Africa’s innings began on a shaky note as they lost two quick wickets within the first two overs.
Rassie van der Dussen departed for a duck, and Matthew Breetzke managed only eight runs before being dismissed, leaving the hosts at a precarious 10/2.
Reeza Hendricks tried to stabilize the innings alongside David Miller, but his stay was brief, scoring just eight runs off nine deliveries. With three wickets down and pressure mounting, Miller took charge of the innings.
The left-handed batter unleashed a sensational display of power hitting, smashing eight sixes and four boundaries in a blistering knock of 82 runs from just 40 balls.
Miller formed short yet impactful partnerships with Heinrich Klaasen (12) and Donovan Ferreira (7) before being dismissed by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was the pick of Pakistan’s bowlers with figures of 3/22.
Abrar Ahmed also claimed three wickets, but his four overs proved costly, conceding 37 runs. Abbas Afridi chipped in with two wickets, while Sufiyan Muqeem took one but was expensive in the death overs.
George Linde played a pivotal role for South Africa with an explosive innings towards the end. His unbeaten 48 off 24 balls, featuring three fours and four sixes, provided much-needed impetus.
Linde’s assault on Muqeem in the final over added 20 runs, pushing South Africa to a competitive 183/9. Kwena Maphaka contributed with an unbeaten 12 runs.
In response, Pakistan managed 172/8 in their 20 overs. Rizwan anchored the innings with a gritty 74 off 62 balls but lacked support from the middle order.
Young Saim Ayub’s quickfire 31 off 15 deliveries provided hope, but consistent breakthroughs by the Proteas bowlers derailed Pakistan’s chase.
George Linde excelled with the ball, taking 4 wickets in his quota of overs. Kwena Maphaka claimed two scalps, while Ottneil Bartmann and Andile Simelane picked up one each.
The thrilling encounter marked the opening of the series, which runs from December 10 to 14. Both teams will now prepare for the second T20I, where Pakistan will look to bounce back and level the series.
