Reeza Hendricks struck a fluent half-century and Corbin Bosch produced a fiery spell as South Africa outclassed Pakistan by 55 runs in the first T20I at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Given a promotion in the batting order with regular openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram rested, Hendricks made full use of the opportunity. Timing the ball sweetly from the outset, he smashed a 40-ball 60 (5x4, 1x6) to set the tone for the visitors’ total of 194/9.
Hendricks Anchors, Linde Finishes Strong
The experienced Quinton de Kock chipped in with 23, while Tony de Zorzi blazed a 16-ball 33 (5x4). Down the order, George Linde added late fireworks with a 22-ball 36 (4x4, 1x6), ensuring South Africa crossed 190.
Pakistan, wearing pink in support of breast cancer awareness, found some respite through Mohammad Nawaz, who picked up 3-26, and Saim Ayub, who claimed two wickets.
Bosch Rips Through Pakistan Lineup
Chasing 195, Pakistan’s reply faltered early and never recovered. Bosch was unplayable, returning 4-14 in four overs, while Linde (3-31) and Lizaad Williams (2-21) offered strong support. Pakistan were bundled out for 139 in 18.1 overs, with Saim Ayub (37 off 28, 1x4, 4x6) and Nawaz (36) the only notable contributors. Bosch’s spell included the key wickets of Babar Azam (0) and skipper Salman Ali Agha (2), breaking the hosts’ backbone inside the Powerplay.
Pakistan Admit Batting Approach Failed
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha conceded their aggressive intent backfired.
We didn’t start well with the ball, but we pulled things back. With the batting, we’re losing wickets too quickly — we need partnerships. Just batting properly, rotating strike, and building stands will make the difference. Bowling top of off stump would’ve been good enough, but the positive is how we pulled it back later.
Ferreira Hails Team’s Collective Effort
South Africa skipper Donovan Ferreira praised his side’s all-round display.
Very proud of the effort — it was a collective one. We had a good powerplay with the bat, and Linde finished well. Reeza held it together nicely for us, which gave George the licence to explode. Bosch brought great energy. He usually looks for yorkers, but today he hit the deck hard and got something out of it. Four wickets is an amazing achievement.
Next Stop: Lahore Double-Header
The teams now head to Lahore for the second T20I on Friday (October 31), followed by the third and final match at the same venue the next day.
Brief Scores: South Africa 194/9 in 20 overs (Reeza Hendricks 60, George Linde 36, Tony de Zorzi 33; Mohammad Nawaz 3-26, Saim Ayub 2-31) Pakistan 139 all out in 18.1 overs (Saim Ayub 37, Mohammad Nawaz 36; Corbin Bosch 4-14, George Linde 3-31, Lizaad Williams 2-21) Result: South Africa won by 55 runs.
