Rawalpindi, October 29 (Udaipur Kiran). Opener Reeza Hendricks’ half-century (60 runs off 40 balls) and Corbin Bosch’s fiery spell (4 wickets for 14 runs) powered South Africa to a 55-run win over Pakistan in the first T20 International on Tuesday night, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
After losing the toss, South Africa batted first and posted a competitive total of 194 for 9 in 20 overs. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for just 139 runs.
Hendricks, along with Quinton de Kock (23 runs off 13 balls), provided a strong start. Making his debut, Tony de Zorzi played an impressive knock of 33 runs from 16 balls, while all-rounder George Linde added 36 runs off 22 deliveries. For Pakistan, left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets for 26 runs in his four overs.
Chasing 195, Pakistan’s innings never gained momentum. Opener Saim Ayub top-scored with 37 runs off 28 balls, but other batsmen failed to settle. Captain Babar Azam, returning to T20 internationals after December last year, was dismissed for a duck — caught by Hendricks off Bosch’s bowling.
For South Africa, Linde contributed with the ball as well, claiming three wickets for 31 runs in four overs.
With this victory, South Africa take a 1-0 lead in the series. The second T20 will be played in Lahore on Friday, followed by the third and final match on Saturday at the same venue.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.