Rawalpindi: South Africa posted a challenging total of 194 for nine in 20 overs against Pakistan in the first T20 International of the three-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.
After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bowl first. South Africa’s top order responded strongly, with Reeza Hendricks scoring a fluent 60 runs, while George Linde contributed 36 and Tony de Zorzi added 33 to help the visitors set an imposing total.
For Pakistan, Mohammad Nawaz stood out with three wickets, while Saim Ayub claimed two. Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah picked up one wicket each.
Pakistan’s playing XI for the series opener includes Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Skipper Salman Ali Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Usman Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed.
South Africa’s side is led by captain Donovan Ferreira and features Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Lizaad Williams, Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi.
In a special gesture to raise awareness for breast cancer, the Pakistan team donned pink-themed jerseys, while the South African players and match officials wore pink ribbons in support of the cause.
Pakistan now require 195 runs to win and take a 1–0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
