South Africa triumphed over Pakistan by 11 runs in a closely fought T20I match at Kingsmead, Durban on Tuesday.
After electing to bat, South Africa posted a competitive total of 183/9 in 20 overs. David Miller’s explosive 82 off 40 balls and George Linde’s all-round performance led the hosts to victory in the series opener.
Miller anchored the innings with four boundaries and eight towering sixes, while Linde contributed 48 runs from 24 balls, including three fours and four sixes.
Pakistan’s bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abrar Ahmed took three wickets each, limiting the damage in the middle overs.
Pakistan’s chase started with early setbacks as Babar Azam fell for a duck, and Saim Ayub’s aggressive 31 from 15 balls failed to build momentum.
Mohammad Rizwan played a steady knock, scoring 74 off 62 deliveries, but struggled to find support from the middle order.
George Linde dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup, claiming four wickets for 21 runs, while Kwena Maphaka took two crucial early wickets.
Despite a late surge, Pakistan managed 172/8 in their 20 overs, falling short of the target.
South Africa’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding ensured a strong start to the T20I series.
Pakistan will take on South Africa in the second T20I on Friday.
TOSS
Heinrich Klaasen-led South Africa had elected to bat first against Pakistan in the first T20I at Kingsmead in Durban on Tuesday.
PLAYING XI FOR BOTH SIDES
South Africa XI: Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Mathew Breetzke, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (c & wk), Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Andile Simelane, Nqaba Peter, Kwena Maphaka, Ottneil Baartman
Pakistan XI: Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed
