Cricket Highlights, Dec 13: Pakistan tour of South Africa (2nd T20) – Pakistan vs South Africa

PAK vs SA (2nd T20) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling 2nd T20I between PAK and SA, played at Centurion on December 13, 2024. The match was a high-scoring spectacle, where Pakistan set a formidable target of 207 runs. However, South Africa, with their powerful batting display, chased down the target with seven wickets in hand and three balls to spare. 

In the 2nd T20I against South Africa, Pakistan put up a formidable total of 206/5 in their 20 overs, powered by an exceptional knock from Saim Ayub. Opening the innings, Mohammad Rizwan (11 off 13) fell early to Ottneil Baartman, but Saim Ayub took charge with a scintillating unbeaten 98 off 57 balls, including 11 fours and 5 sixes, showcasing his attacking prowess. Babar Azam contributed a quick 31 off 20, forming a crucial 87-run partnership with Ayub.

The middle order faced some hiccups as Usman Khan (3) and Tayyab Tahir (6) departed cheaply, both dismissed by Dayyaan Galiem. However, Irfan Khan provided a fiery cameo of 30 off 16, including 3 fours and 2 sixes, accelerating the innings in the death overs. Abbas Afridi added the finishing touch with 11 not out of just 4 balls, boosting the total to over 200.

South Africa’s bowlers struggled with their discipline, conceding 15 wides, which added to Pakistan’s tally. Dayyaan Galiem was the standout bowler for the Proteas, finishing with figures of 2/21 in his 4 overs. George Linde chipped in with 1/28, while Ottneil Baartman claimed 2 wickets but proved expensive, conceding 51 runs. Despite their efforts, the South African attack couldn’t contain Saim Ayub’s brilliance, allowing Pakistan to post a challenging target.

SA chased down a challenging target of 207 with a scintillating batting display, winning the match by 7 wickets with 3 balls to spare. Reeza Hendricks was the star of the show, smashing a magnificent 117 off 63 balls, laced with 7 fours and 10 towering sixes. His innings was the backbone of South Africa’s chase, as he played with controlled aggression and dominated the PAK bowlers.

The chase began with an early setback when Ryan Rickelton (2) was dismissed by Jahandad Khan in the second over. Matthew Breetzke (12 off 10) fell shortly after, also to Jahandad Khan, leaving South Africa at 28/2 in the fourth over. However, Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen steadied the innings with a commanding 157-run partnership for the third wicket.

Van der Dussen contributed a superb unbeaten 66 off 38 balls, hitting 3 fours and 5 sixes, providing stability and finishing the game with poise. After Hendricks’ dismissal at 185 in the 18th over, Captain Heinrich Klaasen came in to finish the chase, scoring a quick 8 not out off 5 balls.

Pakistan’s bowlers struggled under the onslaught. Jahandad Khan was the most successful, taking 2/40 in his 4 overs, but Haris Rauf (0/57) and Abbas Afridi (1/46 in 3.3 overs) were taken apart by Hendricks and van der Dussen. Abrar Ahmed was the most economical bowler, conceding only 29 runs in his 4 overs but went wicketless.

South Africa’s calculated aggression and Hendricks’ phenomenal innings sealed a thrilling win, showcasing their batting depth and composure under pressure.

Pakistan vs South Africa Scoreboard

Pakistan– 206/5

South Africa– 210/3(19.3/20)

Result – South Africa won by 7 wickets (with 3 balls remaining)

Player of the Match – Reeza Hendricks

PAK vs SA Playing XI

Pakistan

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

South Africa

Reeza Hendricks, Ryan Rickelton(WK), Matthew Breetzke, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen(C), Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Dayyaan Galiem, Nqabayomzi Peter, Kwena Maphaka, Ottneil Baartman

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

Want to stay ahead in the world of Cricket? Explore our comprehensive Match Highlights, insightful analysis, and the latest updates on all your favorite fixtures and more at BjSports. Don’t miss out and dive into the action now!