A stellar performance from George Linde and David Miller helped South Africa to put down Pakistan in the first T20I of the series on December 10.
The Pakistan tour of South Africa began with a T20I leg match where Proteas secured an 11-run victory in the 1st T20I at Kingsmead.
Linde picked 4 wickets and scored 48 runs to help the side secure a thrilling victory in Durban. Returning to international stages after three years, George Linde delivered a 24-ball 48 runs with the bat and followed up bowling figures of 4-21.
Pakistan’s chase fell over despite Mohammad Rizwan’s late heroics. Rizwan who struggled with 36 off 44 balls, quickly raised to 74 runs in 62 balls. His valiant effort, fell short as Pakistan could not recover from a slow middle phase and an inexperienced middle order.
South Africa hold off a late Pakistan challenge in Durban to take a 1-0 T20I series lead 🏏#SAvPAK 📝 https://t.co/DonnHIkOnJ pic.twitter.com/Em4M2MQH8w
— ICC (@ICC) December 10, 2024
Pakistan’s chase began promisingly with Saim Ayub providing a solid start, but Babar Azam’s dismissal for a duck and a pressurized middle order by South Africa turned the tables.
Linde and bowlers picked regular wickets, leaving them needing an improbable 19 runs off the final over. The 18 year old Kwena Maphaka redeeming himself in the last over by dismissing Rizwan to seal the win.
Despite missing several first choice players, South Africa was able to pull off victory for Proteas. pakistan missed opportunities with the bat during the death overs and lack of urgency in the middle overs costed the match.
South Africa’s Miller masterful 82 runs off 40 deliveries dismantled Pakistan’s bowling attack after his assault on spinner Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed was particularly destructive, including three consecutive sixes off Abrar in the 10th over. His dominance propelled South Africa to 163 runs.
The second match of the South Africa-Pakistan T20Is has begin on December 13 at SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium.
