South Africa edge past Pakistan in first T20I by 11 runs

South Africa triumphed over Pakistan in the first T20I of the three-match series, securing an 11-run victory at Kingsmead Stadium, Durban.

The hosts delivered a solid performance to outclass Pakistan and take a crucial lead in the series.

Pakistan, while chasing a target of 184, came 11 runs and were restricted to 172-8 in their allocated 20 overs.

The visiting side lost Babar Azam (0) early on before Saim Ayub scored a quick 31 off 15 balls with the help of seven boundaries.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan held on to one end, playing an anchoring knock of 74 runs from 62 balls, which featured five boundaries and three sixes, before falling in the last over.

However, he could not find much support from the other end with Tayyab Tahir (18) being the only third batter to cross the double figures.

For South Africa, George Linde led the attack with his figure of 4-21, while Kwena Maphaka took two wickets. Ottneil Baartman and Andile Simelane also contributed with a wicket each.

Earlier, South Africa opted to bat first but failed to get the desired start as they soon found themselves struggling at 28-3.

Coming out to bat at number four, Miller partnered briefly with opener Reeza Hendricks for an 18-run partnership, which culminated in the fourth over with the latter’s dismissal after scoring eight off nine.

Following Hendricks’ departure, Miller switched gears and dominated the touring side’s bowlers with belligerent hitting.

The left-handed batter smashed eight sixes and four fours on his way to top score for South Africa with a quickfire 82 off just 40 deliveries.

David Miller was involved in two one-sided partnerships with skipper Heinrich Klaasen (12) and Donovan Ferreira (seven) before falling victim to Pakistan’s star with the ball Shaheen, who returned match figures of 3/22 in his four overs.

Following his dismissal, South Africa lost two more wickets in quick succession and were subsequently reduced to 141/8 in 16 overs.

 All-rounder George Linde, however, turned the tide back in South Africa’s favor with late fireworks, the highlight of which was his three sixes against Sufiyan Muqeem in the final over.

 Linde remained a significant contributor for South Africa with a quickfire 48 off 24 deliveries, laced with three fours and four sixes, while Kwena Maphaka played a supportive role with an unbeaten 12.

 Besides Shaheen, Abrar Ahmed also bagged three wickets for Pakistan but was expensive as he conceded 37 runs in his four overs, while Abbas Afridi took two wickets for 30 runs in as many overs. Muqeem, on the other hand, chipped in with one scalp.

 The series now moves to Centurion for the second T20I, scheduled for December 13, followed by the final match in Johannesburg on December 14.