Durban (Web Desk): South Africa edged out Pakistan by 11 runs in the opening T20I of their three-match series at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on Tuesday.
Pakistan, chasing a target of 184, could only manage 172/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite a solid 74-run knock from captain Muhammad Rizwan, who faced 62 balls, and a quickfire 31 from Saim Ayub, Pakistan fell short.
George Linde was the star for the Proteas, picking up 4 wickets for just 14 runs in his 4 overs, while Kwena Maphaka chipped in with 2 wickets. Ottneil Bartmann and Andile Simelane each took one wicket, keeping the pressure on Pakistan throughout their innings.
Earlier, South Africa’s batting innings got off to a rocky start after they lost two early wickets. Rassie van der Dussen was dismissed for a duck, and Matthew Breetzke made only 8, leaving the hosts at a precarious 10/2.
However, David Miller stepped up, taking control of the innings with some aggressive stroke play. The left-hander hammered 82 runs off 40 balls, with 8 sixes and 4 fours, and provided the backbone for South Africa’s recovery.
Although Miller was dismissed by Shaheen Afridi, who finished with impressive figures of 3/22, Linde’s late blitz, including 3 sixes in the final over off Sufiyan Muqeem, ensured South Africa posted a challenging total.
Linde finished with 48 off 24 balls, and Maphaka contributed an unbeaten 12, pushing the total to 183/8.
Pakistan’s bowlers fought hard, with Shaheen and Abrar Ahmed, who took 3 wickets for 37 runs, leading the charge.
However, despite their efforts, the target proved to be just out of reach for the visitors.