South Africa produced a commanding display to defeat Pakistan by 55 runs in the opening Twenty20 International in Rawalpindi on 28 October, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Put in to bat, the Proteas posted a formidable 194 for nine from their 20 overs, with Reeza Hendricks anchoring the innings superbly. The opener struck 60 off 40 balls, laying a strong platform for the visitors before falling to spinner Abrar Ahmed in the 18th over.
Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 for 26 as he applied pressure through the middle overs, though South Africa’s total ultimately proved too much to chase.
In reply, Pakistan began brightly through Saim Ayub (37) and Sahibzada Farhan (24), but their innings unravelled once the partnership was broken. Nawaz offered some resistance with 36 off 20 deliveries, yet his was a lone effort as Pakistan collapsed from 82 for 4 to 139 all out in the 19th over.
Corbin Bosch was the standout with the ball for South Africa, finishing with career-best figures of 4 for 14 in his four overs, as the hosts lost their final six wickets for just 57 runs.
Having opened the series with a convincing win, the Proteas will look to seal the contest when the sides meet again in Lahore on Friday.
