The T20I series between South Africa and Pakistan got off to a pleasant start, thanks to an excellent 60 from the experienced Reeza Hendricks, capped off by an all-round masterclass from the returning George Linde and a 4-wicket haul from Corbin Bosch.
Tuesday’s match in Rawalpindi saw the T20I comeback for Babar Azam, as well as Quinton de Kock’s first series against a full member following his decision to give the Proteas another chance.
Hendricks and de Kock hit several boundaries early on, but the latter fell when they tried to play one shot too many. However, the early wicket could not deter the momentum as Tony de Zorzi attacked the Pakistani spinners with ease. The rookie lefty shot a scintillating 33-of-16, setting the tone for multiple bite-sized contributions throughout as the match progressed.
SA scored 74, which was the highest score in a powerplay for a T20I between SA and Pakistan.
Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke and skipper Donovan Ferreira all fell cheaply as they tried to capitalize on their chances, and Mohammad Nawaz enjoyed a fruitful game with brilliant returns of 3/26 in his 4 overs.
Hendricks did well to bat through most of the innings, but he was dismissed in the same manner – bowling while attempting a big stroke. That said, George Linde provided the late kick towards the back, with 36 from 22.
The Pakistani bowlers continued to strike at regular intervals, and although it looked like SA were on course for 210, they closed at 194/9 at half-time.
The hosts’ chase got off to a slower start as the Proteas seamers tested the Pakistani openers relentlessly. Barring a few boundaries in the second over, Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub found it difficult to rotate the strike, especially the latter.
The accumulating point balls proved to be of great importance for the visitors, as Lizaad Williams drew first blood. And Babar’s comeback took just two deliveries as he gave Hendricks an easy catch at cover. The parade continued as Corbin Bosch struck a second time, trapping Captain Salman Ali Agha perpendicular to the front.
Saim Ayub would finally overcome a scratchy start, spinning George Linde’s left arm for a couple of maximums, but taking a catch to cover a few overs later.
From that moment on it was all SA’s advantage. Bosch would add another two wickets to the tally, and an entertaining cameo from Mohammed Nawaz would only delay the inevitable.
A 55-run win has put the new Proteas team on pole position in Rawalpindi, and they will look to seal the deal in the next match in Lahore. While it has been a convincing defeat for the hosts, they will pick up the pieces and strive to improve, especially in regards to their batting.
South Africa became the first team to win a T20I match in Rawalpindi, batting first.
SA 194/9 in 20 overs (Hendricks 60, Linde 36, de Zorzi 33 – Nawaz 4-0-26-3, Ayub 4-0-31-2)
PAK 139 all out in 18.1 overs (Ayub 37, Nawaz 36 – Bosch 4-0-14-4, Linde 3-0-31-3)
WRITTEN BY ABHAI SAWKAR
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