KEY POINTS
- Corbin Bosch Shines with 4 Wickets as South Africa Set 195-Run Target
- South Africa posted 194/9, with Reeza Hendricks leading the charge with 60 runs.
- Pakistan faltered in their chase, finishing at 139/10 in 18.1 overs, falling short by 55 runs.
RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: South Africa emerged victorious by 55 runs in the first T20I of the three-match series against Pakistan, setting a challenging target of 195 runs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Despite a solid start from the Proteas, Pakistan struggled in the chase, falling short and finishing with 139 runs in 18.1 overs.
South Africa’s Strong Innings
South Africa posted a total of 194/9 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a blistering 60 off 40 balls from Reeza Hendricks, who was the standout performer for the visitors.
His knock included five fours and a six, with early support from Quinton de Kock (23 off 13 balls) and debutant Tony de Zorzi (33 off 16 balls), who played quickfire innings to give South Africa a strong foundation.
However, Pakistan’s bowlers fought back, especially Mohammad Nawaz, who claimed 3 wickets for 26 runs.
Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed also picked up two wickets each, while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah chipped in with one wicket apiece.
Despite South Africa’s fast start, Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack restricted them from achieving a larger total in the latter overs.
Pakistan’s Struggling Chase
Chasing 195, Pakistan was under pressure from the outset. Sahibzada Farhan (24) and Saim Ayub (37) provided some resistance, but regular wickets fell at crucial moments, leaving Pakistan’s chase faltering.
Star batter Babar Azam was dismissed for a duck, and captain Salman Agha fell cheaply for 2 runs, putting Pakistan further behind the required run rate.
The lower order crumbled under pressure, with none of the tailenders managing to reach double figures. Mohammad Nawaz top-scored with 36 runs, who was the last hope fell in the 19th over.
South Africa’s bowlers, particularly Corbin Bosch (4 wickets for 14 runs), Lizaad Williams, and George Linde, were exceptional in restricting Pakistan’s batters. The hosts were eventually all out for 139 runs in 18.1 overs, falling 55 runs short of the target.
South Africa’s Clinical Bowling
Bosch’s brilliant spell and Linde’s crucial breakthroughs were instrumental in securing South Africa’s win. Bosch’s four-wicket haul was the highlight of the bowling effort, and the team displayed excellent discipline throughout the match.
Lungi Ngidi and Williams also played their part in limiting Pakistan’s chase, with both bowlers taking a wicket each.
Key Performers
Reeza Hendricks (South Africa) – 60 runs off 40 balls.
Corbin Bosch (South Africa) – 4 wickets for 14 runs.
Mohammad Nawaz (Pakistan) – 36 runs, 3 wickets for 26 runs.
South Africa’s comprehensive performance in both batting and bowling earned them a well-deserved victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. Pakistan will need to regroup and come back stronger in the second T20I to level the series.
