The Proteas failed to chase down 170 to lose to Pakistan by 3 runs in the opening T20I in Lahore, writes Khalid Mohidin.
The Proteas chose to field first, and an unbeaten century from Pakistan’s wicketkeeper and opener, Mohammad Rizwan, saw the hosts post a target of 170 for South Africa.
This seemed like a simple target to chase, with Tabraiz Shamsi in his post-innings interview even admitting that he was “quietly confident” that the Proteas would win the game.
From a bowling perspective, it was Andile Phehlukwayo who took the most wickets for the Proteas, 2-33 in is 4 overs.
The Proteas innings, started off well, with Janneman Malan looking in fine form at the top of the order, mainly against the pace, however, looking shaky against spin which was his downfall in the match. A googly from Usman Qadir pummelled into his stumps, as he lost his wicket just six from a half-century.
Jacques Snyman, on debut, suffered a similar fate, he looked wobbly against the spin bowlers from his first ball at the crease, and he was undone by a Usman googly too, for 2.
This pretty much sparked a collapse for Proteas. David Miller out for 6 and Heinrich Klaasen out for 12 as the game started slipping away.
Reeza Hendricks’ (54) comical run-out and Phehlukwayo (14) hitting straight to deep midwicket was pretty much the nail in the coffin for the Proteas.
Despite an excellent fight from Dwaine Pretorius, who hit 15 off 6 balls and Bjorn Fortuin who hit 17 off 9, the Proteas lost by 3 runs.
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
