South Africa beat Pakistan by 55 runs in T20I series opener

South Africa defeated Pakistan by 55 runs in the opening match of the three-match T20I series, taking a 1–0 lead in the series, 24NewsHD TV reported on Tuesday.

Chasing a target of 195 runs, Pakistan were bowled out for 139 on the first delivery of the 19th over.

Saim Ayub top-scored with 37 runs, followed by Mohammad Nawaz, who contributed 36, while Sahibzada Farhan added 24.

None of the other batters managed to make a significant impact, as captain Salman Ali Agha scored only 2, and Babar Azam fell for a duck.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and opted to field first at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

South Africa posted a formidable total of 194 for 9 in their 20 overs.

Reeza Hendricks led the innings with a brilliant 60, while George Linde made 36 and de Zorzi scored 33.

 

For Pakistan, Mohammad Nawaz was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Saim Ayub claimed two, and Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Naseem Shah picked up one wicket apiece.

In reply, South Africa’s bowlers dominated the proceedings.

Corbin Bosch starred with four wickets, George Linde grabbed three, and Lizaad Williams took two to seal a comprehensive victory for the visitors.

Notably, the match was played in support of breast cancer awareness.

The Pakistan team wore a special pink kit, while the South African players and match officials sported pink ribbons to show solidarity with the cause.

The second T20I of the series will be played on October 31, with Pakistan looking to level the series.

South Africa XI: Q de Kock†, RR Hendricks, T de Zorzi, D Brevis, MP Breetzke, D Ferreira*, GF Linde, C Bosch, LB Williams, N Burger, L Ngidi.
 
Pakistan XI: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Agha Salman*, Usman Khan†, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed