Cricket
Proteas dominate Pakistan in 55-run victory─── MORGAN PIEK 10:22 Wed, 29 Oct 2025
The Proteas have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20 International series against Pakistan after claiming a 55-run victory on Tuesday evening in Rawalpindi.
South Africa batted first at the ground renowned for big scores and posted a more than competitive total of 194/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Former Knights opening batter Reeza Hendricks top-scored for South Africa with 60 off 40 balls, hitting 5 fours and a six.
At the back end of the Proteas innings, spinning all-rounder George Linde showcased his clean ball-striking ability with an impressive 36 off 22 balls, including 4 fours and a six.
Tony de Zorzi. Photo: Cricinfo
Earlier in the innings, debutant Tony de Zorzi scored a rapid 33 off 16 balls with five fours and a six, while Quinton de Kock made 23 off 13 in an innings in which he struck five fours.
Mohammad Nawaz was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers with 3/26 in 4 overs, while Saim Ayub took 2/31.
In reply, Ayub also contributed with the bat for Pakistan, making a decent 37 off 28, while Nawaz wielded the willow with 36 off 20. The only other Pakistani batters to reach double figures were Sahibzada Farhan with 24 off 19 and wicketkeeper Usman Khan with 12.
Fiery Proteas fast bowler Corbin Bosch was in top form for South Africa with career-best figures of 4/14 in his 4 overs, while Linde reaffirmed his value in the South African setup with 3/31 in 3 overs, and Lizaad Williams took 2/21 in 3.1 overs.
For his fine efforts with both bat and ball, Linde was named man of the match, but he downplayed the accolade, feeling that Bosch and Hendricks were more deserving.
“To be honest, I don't think I deserved this. Bosch and Hendricks set the game up for us; they deserved it,” said the Western Province player.
Reeza Hendricks. Photo: Cricinfo
“My role with the bat is to try and finish games, and I’m glad I pulled it off. I’ll try to do the same in the next game too.
“With the ball, I knew what I wanted to do initially, but didn’t execute. Later, I tried to stay calm. Lahore, the next venue, is awesome, and Pakistan will come hard to win the next game, but we’ll be ready for them.”
The second game of the three-match series between Pakistan and South Africa will be played on Friday in Lahore, with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 17:00.
