The T20I series between South Africa and Pakistan has gotten off to a pleasant start, thanks to a superb 60 from the experienced Reeza Hendricks, bookended with an all-round masterclass from the returning George Linde and a 4-wicket haul from Corbin Bosch.
Tuesday’s game at Rawalpindi saw the T20I comeback for Babar Azam, as well as Quinton de Kock’s first series against a full member after his decision to give the Proteas one more crack.
Hendricks and de Kock struck several boundaries early on, but the latter fell when trying to play one too many shots. However, the early wicket didn’t deter the momentum, as Tony de Zorzi attacked the Pakistani spinners with ease. The debutant lefty scored a sprightly 33 from 16, setting the tone for multiple bite-sized contributions throughout the order as the game went on.
SA scored 74, which was highest score in a powerplay for a T20I between SA and Pakistan.
Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, and skipper Donovan Ferreira all fell cheaply while trying to take 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 for most of the innings, but he was dismissed in similar fashion: bowled while attempting a big shot. Having said that, George Linde provided the late kick towards the back end, with 36 from 22.
Pakistan’s bowlers continued to strike at regular intervals, and even though it looked like SA were on course for 210, they wrapped up at 194/9 at halftime.
The hosts’ chase got off to a slower start, as the Proteas seamers relentlessly tested the Pakistani openers. Apart from a few boundaries in the second over, Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub found it difficult to rotate strike, especially the latter.
The dot balls stacking up proved instrumental for the visitors, as Lizaad Williams drew first blood. And Babar’s comeback lasted only two deliveries, as he gave Hendricks at cover an easy catch. The parade continued, as Corbin Bosch struck a second time to trap captain Salman Ali Agha plumb in front.
Saim Ayub would finally overcome a scratchy start and hit George Linde’s left arm spin for a couple of maximums, but popped a catch to cover a couple overs later.
From that point on, it was advantage SA all the way. 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-look Proteas outfit in pole position in Rawalpindi, and they’ll look to seal the deal next game at Lahore. While it’s been a convincing loss for the hosts, they’ll pick up the pieces and aim for improvement, especially with regards to their batting.
South Africa became the 1st team to win a T20I match at 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
