Rawalpindi, 29 October (H.S.): A commanding performance from opener Reeza Hendricks and a devastating spell from fast bowler Corbin Bosch propelled South Africa to a 55-run victory over Pakistan in the first T20 International late on Tuesday. The win gives the visitors a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.After being asked to bat first, South Africa posted a formidable total of 194 for 9 in their 20 overs.
Hendricks led the charge with a fluent 60 off 40 balls, building on a brisk start with Quinton de Kock (23 off 13). Valuable middle-order contributions from debutant Tony de Zorzi, who smashed 33 off just 16 balls, and all-rounder George Linde (36 off 22) ensured a challenging target.
For Pakistan, spinner Mohammad Nawaz was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 3 for 26.In response, Pakistan’s chase faltered from the outset as they were ultimately dismissed for 139. While opener Saim Ayub offered some resistance with 37 from 28 balls, the rest of the lineup failed to build partnerships.
Captain Babar Azam, in his first T20I appearance since December of last year, was dismissed for a duck, caught by Hendricks off the bowling of Bosch.Bosch was the architect of Pakistan’s collapse, claiming remarkable figures of 4 for 14. He was well-supported by Linde, who also shone with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 31 runs.The series will now shift to Lahore, which will host the second T20I on Friday and the final match on Saturday.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
