South Africa Defeats Pakistan by 11 Runs in Thrilling T20 Series Opener

2 weeks ago

IslamabadضSouth Africa secured an 11-run victory over Pakistan in the first match of their 3-match T20 series at Kingsmead Stadium. Batting first, South Africa posted a challenging total of 183 runs, and despite a strong fight, Pakistan could only manage 172 runs in their 20 overs.

### **South Africa’s Innings:**
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, South Africa faced early setbacks. The first wicket fell at just 1 run when Rassie van der Dussen was clean bowled by Shaheen Shah Afridi for a duck. South Africa’s second wicket came at 10 runs when Matthew Breetzke was caught off Abrar Ahmed’s bowling. Reeza Hendricks was the third wicket to fall, bowled by Abrar Ahmed for 8 runs, leaving the Proteas struggling at 28/3.

However, David Miller played a remarkable knock, scoring 82 runs off 40 balls, including 8 sixes and 4 fours, propelling South Africa to a total of 183. The Proteas lost a few more wickets towards the end, but Miller’s explosive innings proved to be the difference.

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abrar Ahmed were the standout bowlers for Pakistan, each claiming 3 wickets. Abbas Afridi picked up 2 wickets, and Sufiyan Maqeem took 1.

### **Pakistan’s Chase:**
In pursuit of 183, Pakistan’s batting line-up faltered early. The first wicket fell at just 16 runs when Babar Azam was dismissed for a duck, caught behind. Pakistan’s middle order also struggled, with Saeem Ayub (31) and Usman Khan (9) being dismissed cheaply. The fifth wicket fell at 151, with Shaheen Shah Afridi (9) also being dismissed.

Captain Mohammad Rizwan fought valiantly, scoring 74 runs from 44 balls, including 5 fours and 3 sixes. However, Pakistan’s lower order failed to support him, and they were bowled out for 172, falling short by 11 runs.

### **Team Changes and Structure:**
Pakistan made a few changes to their squad, dropping all-rounder Salman Ali Agha from the playing XI. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan made their returns to the team, with Rizwan leading the side. Saeem Ayub, who had opened earlier, was promoted to number 3. Wicketkeeper-batsman Usman Khan played at number 4.

South Africa, meanwhile, made adjustments due to injury concerns. Fast bowler Anrich Nortje was ruled out due to a finger injury, and spinner Tabraiz Shamsi was also unavailable for selection.

### **Playing XI:**

**Pakistan:**
1. Mohammad Rizwan (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
2. Babar Azam
3. Saeem Ayub
4. Usman Khan
5. Tayyab Tahir
6. Mohammad Irfan Khan
7. Mohammad Abbas Afridi
8. Shaheen Shah Afridi
9. Haris Rauf
10. Sufiyan Maqeem
11. Abrar Ahmed

**South Africa:**
1. Rassie van der Dussen
2. Reeza Hendricks
3. Matthew Breetzke
4. David Miller
5. Heinrich Klaasen (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
6. Donovan Ferreira
7. George Linde
8. Andile Phehlukwayo
9. Nicky O’Keefe
10. Quinton de Kock
11. Otneil Bartman

### **Summary:**
South Africa’s 11-run win in the first T20 match gives them a 1-0 lead in the series. Despite a valiant effort from Rizwan, Pakistan will need to address key issues in their batting line-up to bounce back in the upcoming matches. The second T20 will be crucial for Pakistan as they look to equalize the series.