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SA vs PAK 1st T20I Highlights: Rizwan Loses Lone Battle As Linde’s Triple Strike Leads South Africa To Victory

Akshita Patel

South Africa beat Pakistan in first T20I of 3-game series [Source: @ProteasMenCSA/X.com]South Africa beat Pakistan in first T20I of 3-game series [Source: @ProteasMenCSA/X.com]

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In the first T20I of the 3-game series, South Africa beat Pakistan by 11 runs in a last-over nail biting contest. David Miller and George Line’s carnage helped the Proteas post a competitive total of 183. Pakistan, meanwhile, collapsed under pressure. Despite Mohammad Rizwan’s 74 off 62 balls, the visiting team fell 11 runs short in the chase.

Here's how SA vs PAK 1st T20I panned out in Durban:

SA vs PAK Highlights: Pakistan earn dream start with top-order collapse

After being asked to bowl first, Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed opened bowling for Pakistan. Afridi unleashed his magic with the new ball to clean up van der Dussen’s stumps in the first over and drew first blood. Abrar Ahmed followed his cue to dismiss Breetzke. While Abrar bowled an ordinary half volley, the batter holed out to Saim Ayub at backward points, leading to an unfortunate dismissal. The spinner cleaned up Reeza Hendricks with a sharp googly to reduce South Africa to 28/3 in the powerplay.

SA vs PAK Highlights: David Miller’s ballistic knock destroyed Pakistan

Under pressure, David Miller played a sensational knock of 82 runs off just 40 deliveries. He launched as many as 8 sixes out of the park to leave Pakistan clueless. Miller was brutal against Abrar as he smashed him for 3 back-to-back sixes. His carnage helped South Africa leapfrog to 135 runs in 13.5 overs. Once Miller was sent back by Shaheen Afridi, George Linde continued the onslaught to smash a quick 48 off 24 balls to push South Africa’s total to 183/9 in the first 20 overs.

SA vs PAK Highlights: Babar Azam falls for duck

In a challenging chase, Pakistan lost their reliable opener Babar Azam on a 4-ball duck. Babar failed to weather Maphaka’s pace and edged to Simelane at third man. Saim Ayub, demoted to no.3, extended his purple patch to slam fiery 31 off 15 balls, including 7 fours. Owing to his brilliance, Pakistan appeared to be sailing in the chase before Simelane dismissed him in the 7th over. Usman Khan was also dismissed on 9 off 8 balls, leaving Pakistan reeling on 75/3.

SA vs PAK Highlights: Rizwan leads a lone fight for Pakistan

Mohammed Rizwan held his end to score a timely and crucial half century. However, the asking rate was soaring with every ball. Rizwan also weathered cramps to continue his lone fight for Pakistan. However, George Linde’s triple strike in the 18th over was the final nail in the coffin for the men in green. Linder removed Shaheen Afridi, Abbas Afridi and Irfan Khan before he was denied a hattrick on the final ball.

Mohammad Rizwan lost his battle on 74 off 62 balls as Pakistan finished with 172/8, thus losing the first T20I by 11 runs to trail 0-1 in the 3-game series.