Confident South Africa clinched a dominant seven-wicket victory over Pakistan at SuperSport Park in Centurion, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match T20 series. Despite setting a challenging target of 207 runs, Green Shirts could not contain the Proteas’ explosive batting, led by Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen.
Chasing massive total of 207, Proteas innings began with early dismissals of Ryan Rickleton (2) and Matthew Breetzke (12). However, Hendricks anchored the chase, guiding the Proteas to 52 runs at the end of the powerplay. The opener played a match-winning knock of 117 runs off 63 balls, including seven boundaries and ten sixes.
Van der Dussen provided perfect support, contributing 66 runs off 38 balls with three fours and five sixes. The duo’s partnership steered hosts to a clinical victory with three balls to spare, despite Pakistan’s efforts to slow the scoring rate.
Pakistan showcased an exceptional batting display in the second T20 of the three-match series, setting an imposing 207-run target for South Africa on Friday. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan led his team with confidence. The visitors amassed 206 runs for the loss of five wickets in the allotted 20 overs at Centurion.
Opener Saim Ayub emerged as the star of the innings with a scintillating knock. Remaining unbeaten on 98 runs off 57 balls, Ayub’s innings featured a masterful combination of 11 boundaries and 5 towering sixes, establishing him as the cornerstone of Pakistan’s formidable total.
Other contributions came from skipper Mohammad Rizwan (11), Babar Azam (31), Usman Khan (3), and Tayyab Tahir (6). Irfan Khan provided late fireworks with a brisk 30 off 16 deliveries, while Abbas Afridi chipped in with an unbeaten 11 off just 4 balls.
For South Africa, bowlers Bartman and Williams took two wickets each, offering some resistance to Pakistan’s aggressive batting.
Team Changes and Lineups
Pakistan made one change to their lineup for the match, with pacer Jahandad Khan replacing spinner Sufiyan Maqeem. The playing XI featured Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan Niazi, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, and Abrar Ahmed.
South Africa, holding a 1-0 lead in the series, will now face the daunting challenge of chasing 207 to secure the series. With Pakistan’s bowlers, including pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, ready to defend the total, an intense contest is on the cards.
The match remains critical for Pakistan as they aim to level the series, showcasing their depth in both batting and bowling. Fans eagerly await the second innings to see if South Africa can rise to the challenge or if Pakistan will emerge victorious to set up a thrilling series decider.
