Durban, December 11, 2024: South Africa edged Pakistan by 11 runs in a gripping contest during the first T20I of the three-match series at Kingsmead Stadium on Tuesday.
South Africa, after electing to bat first, posted a formidable total of 183 runs, thanks to David Miller’s explosive 82 off 40 balls and George Linde’s quickfire 48. Despite a valiant half-century from Pakistan’s skipper Mohammad Rizwan, the visitors fell short, managing 172/8 in their chase.
The Pakistani innings got off to a rocky start when star batter Babar Azam was dismissed for a four-ball duck in the third over, leaving Pakistan at 16/1. Saim Ayub briefly steadied the innings with a blistering 31 off 15 balls, including seven boundaries, before being dismissed by Andile Simelane.
Rizwan anchored the chase, scoring 74 off 62 balls with five fours and three sixes. However, his dismissal on the second ball of the final over ended Pakistan’s hopes. Kwena Maphaka held his nerve, conceding just six runs in the last four balls to secure an 11-run victory for the Proteas.
South Africa’s bowlers played a crucial role, with George Linde claiming four wickets and Maphaka taking two. Ottneil Baartman and Simelane contributed with one wicket each.
Earlier, South Africa’s innings saw early setbacks as Pakistani bowlers Abrar Ahmed and Shaheen Afridi dismantled the top order, leaving the hosts at 29/3 within the first four overs. Reeza Hendricks (8), Rassie van der Dussen (0), and Matthew Breetzke (8) failed to make an impact.
David Miller then staged a remarkable recovery, smashing 82 runs, while Linde’s 48 provided additional firepower to help South Africa reach 183. Pakistani bowlers Abrar Ahmed and Shaheen Afridi picked up three wickets each, with Abbas Afridi chipping in with two.
Before the match, Pakistan had shown optimism about their preparation. Skipper Rizwan had expressed confidence in the team’s talent and believed they could replicate their performances from recent tours in Australia and Zimbabwe. However, the challenging overseas conditions proved to be a stern test for the side in the series opener.
