South Africa the outside past Pakistan 11 runs in a thrilling opening T20I of the South Africa 2024-25 Pakistan tour at Kingsmead, Durban. An all-round performance by George Linden, who scored four goals and scored 48, earned him the Man of the Match award.
A power packed batting performance from South Africa
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, South Africa got off to a shaky start, losing Rassie van der Dussen for a golden duck in the first over. Reeza Hendricks and Matthew Breetzke added minimal contributions, leaving the hosts on 29/3.
David Miller anchored the innings with 40 fours and 8 powerful sixes, hitting 82 off 40 balls. His partnership with Linde was the turning point as he scored 48 runs off just 24 balls including 3 fours and 4 sixes. The duo combined for a 77-run stand to lift the team to one place a competitive total of 183/9.
Pakistan’s bowlers have had mixed results. Shaheen Afridi was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/22, while Abrar Ahmed also took three wickets but was expensive, conceding 37 runs in four overs. Abbas Afridi took two crucial wickets while Haris Rauf and Sufiyan Mugeem struggled to keep the runs in check.
Pakistan lag behind in a spirited chase
Chasing 184, Pakistan’s innings began on a disastrous note as captain Babar Azam was dismissed for a four-ball duck. Mohammad Rizwan anchored the innings with a knock of 74 off 62 balls, including 5 fours and 3 sixes, but lacked consistent support from the other end.
Saim Ayub provided the spark as he made 31 off just 15 balls and hit 7 boundaries. However, wickets fell at regular intervals, with none of the middle-order batsmen able to turn their starts. A late cameo by Tayyab Tahir 18 from 18 and Shaheen Afridi 9 from 6 gave a brief glimmer of hope but the target remained elusive.
George Linde He was impressive with the ball, dismantling Pakistan’s middle order with figures of 4/21 in four overs. Kwena Maphaka and Ottniel Baartman provided crucial breakthroughs, while Andile Simelane chipped in with the keeper despite being expensive.
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Major turning points
- David Miller and George Linde partnership: South Africa’s innings revival, led by an explosive 77-run stand, fueled a competitive total.
- George Linde’s bowling brilliance: Linde’s exceptional spell not only slowed down Pakistan’s scoring but also nullified their middle order.
- Pakistan’s highest level collapse: Early dismissals of Babar Azam and Saim Ayub’s inability to bat proved detrimental to Pakistan’s chase.
With South Africa leading the three-match series 1-0, Pakistan will aim for a comeback in the second T20I on Friday, December 13 at the SuperSport Park, Centurion. Both teams will look to overcome their deficiencies as the series progresses. .
What a comeback and what a player he is!!! George Linde totally deserves this moment tonight 🔥🔥🔥🔥
“I’m the best in the country” he said and boy did it show tonight!!! 👏 👏 👏 #SAvPAK #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/v9pF6XCLIB
— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) December 10, 2024
