Cricket Highlights, Dec 10: Pakistan tour of South Africa (1st T20) – South Africa vs Pakistan

SA vs PAK (1st T20) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the highlights of the 1st T20I between SA and PAK, held in Durban on December 10, 2024. The match marked the beginning of Pakistan’s tour of South Africa and provided fans with an exciting contest. South Africa, showcasing a balanced performance with both bat and ball, edged past Pakistan with an 11-run victory. From pivotal batting displays to crucial bowling spells, this game set the tone for an enthralling T20I series. Let’s dive into the key moments and performances that defined this match.

Batting first, South Africa posted a competitive total of 183/9, powered by key contributions from their middle-order batters despite disciplined bowling from Pakistan. In their reply, Pakistan couldn’t quite chase it down, closing their innings at 172 for 8 after the full 20 overs. Despite notable efforts from their top-order batters, they couldn’t capitalize on the chase, as South African bowlers delivered under pressure. 

SA set a competitive total of 183/9 in their allotted 20 overs, led by a scintillating knock from David Miller unleashed a ferocious knock, hammering an explosive 82 off only 40 deliveries. His blistering innings featured 4 boundaries and 8 towering sixes, boasting a jaw-dropping strike rate of 205.0.

George Linde provided valuable support with a quickfire 48 off 24 balls, hitting 3 fours and 4 sixes. Despite losing early wickets, including Rassie van der Dussen for a duck and Matthew Breetzke for 8, Miller and Linde stabilized the innings with their aggressive stroke play.

Shaheen Shah Afridi was the standout bowler for PAK, claiming 3 wickets for 22 runs in his 4 overs. Abrar Ahmed also contributed effectively, taking 3 wickets for 37 runs, including the key wickets of Reeza Hendricks and Matthew Breetzke. 

Abbas Afridi picked up 2 wickets, while Sufiyan Muqeem managed 1 dismissal despite being expensive. South Africa’s middle-order resilience and late flourish ensured a challenging target for Pakistan.

Pakistan’s chase of 184 runs fell short as they were restricted to 172/8 in their 20 overs. Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with a valiant 74 runs off 62 balls, including 5 fours and 3 sixes, but lacked support from the other top-order batsmen. Saim Ayub played a quick cameo, scoring 31 off 15 balls with 7 boundaries, but the rest of the Pakistan batters struggled.

Babar Azam (0), Usman Khan (9), and Tayyab Tahir (18) all fell cheaply, and a middle-order collapse left Pakistan in trouble. Shaheen Shah Afridi (9), Irfan Khan (1), and Abbas Afridi (0) were all dismissed by the spin of George Linde, who claimed 4 wickets for 21 runs. Kwena Maphaka also played a crucial role, taking 2 wickets for 39 runs. Despite Rizwan’s resistance, Pakistan could not recover from the early setbacks and ultimately fell short by 11 runs, with their final total at 172/8.

South Africa vs Pakistan Scoreboard

South Africa– 183/9

Pakistan– 172/8 (20/20)

Result – South Africa won by 11 runs

Player of the Match – George Linde

SA vs PAK Playing XI

South Africa

Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Matthew Breetzke, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen(C)(WK), Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Andile Simelane, Nqabayomzi Peter, Kwena Maphaka. Ottneil Baartman

Pakistan

Mohammad Rizwan(C)(WK), Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem. Abrar Ahmed

Disclaimer: This Highlights is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.

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