South Africa claimed a narrow 11-run victory over Pakistan in the opening T20I at Kingsmead, Durban on Tuesday, taking an early lead in the series.
After being asked to bat, South Africa posted a challenging total of 183/9 in their allotted 20 overs. David Miller was the standout performer, smashing 82 runs off 40 balls, including four boundaries and eight sixes. George Linde also played a key role, contributing 48 runs from 24 balls, with three fours and four sixes.
Pakistan’s bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abrar Ahmed each took three wickets, managing to slow down the hosts during the middle overs.
In response, Pakistan’s chase was off to a rocky start as Babar Azam was dismissed for a duck. Despite a quick-fire 31 off 15 balls from Saim Ayub, Pakistan struggled to build a partnership. Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 74 runs from 62 balls, but the middle order failed to provide adequate support. George Linde’s impressive bowling performance, where he claimed 4 wickets for 21 runs, and Kwena Maphaka’s crucial early wickets left Pakistan with no chance to recover. Pakistan eventually finished at 172/8, 11 runs shy of the target.
South Africa’s disciplined bowling and excellent fielding ensured they took the lead in the series.
Pakistan will now aim to level the series in the second T20I on Friday.
Toss:
South Africa, led by Heinrich Klaasen, won the toss and opted to bat first in the series opener.
Playing XIs:
South Africa XI:
Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Mathew Breetzke, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (c & wk), Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Andile Simelane, Nqaba Peter, Kwena Maphaka, Ottneil Baartman
Pakistan XI:
Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Muhammad Irfan Khan