South Africa secured a decisive seven-wicket win against Pakistan, clinching the T20 series with an unbeatable 2-0 lead. Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen led the charge with sensational performances, outclassing Pakistan at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
Pakistan, batting first, set a competitive target of 207 runs. Saim Ayub stood out with an exceptional 98 off 57 balls, hitting 11 fours and five sixes. He opened the innings with skipper Mohammad Rizwan, who managed only 11 runs from 13 balls before being dismissed by Ottneil Baartman.
Saim found solid support from Babar Azam, who contributed 31 off 20 balls, including three boundaries and a six. Together, they added 67 runs for the second wicket, bringing Pakistan to 90/1 at the halfway mark. Saim reached his half-century with a stunning four and six off Nqabayomzi Peter. However, George Linde dismissed Babar shortly after, breaking the partnership and reducing Pakistan to 112/2.
The Proteas bowlers fought back in the middle overs. Dayyaan Galiem removed Usman Khan in the 13th over, and Tayyab Tahir fell for a golden duck in the 15th. Despite the setbacks, Saim kept attacking, forming a crucial 73-run partnership with Muhammad Irfan Khan. Irfan contributed a quick 30 off 16 balls.
In the final over, Irfan departed, but Abbas Afridi added 11 runs off just four balls. Pakistan finished their innings at 206/5, with Saim stranded two runs short of his century. Galiem and Baartman picked up two wickets each, while Linde claimed one.
Chasing 207, South Africa’s innings began shakily. Ryan Rickleton was dismissed for two runs, and Matthew Breetzke managed 12 before being sent back. At 15/2, South Africa looked vulnerable. However, opener Reeza Hendricks anchored the innings, blasting a stunning 117 off 63 balls. His knock included seven fours and ten towering sixes.
Hendricks was well-supported by Rassie van der Dussen, who smashed 66 runs off 38 balls. The pair dismantled Pakistan’s bowling attack, ensuring victory with 11 balls to spare. Jahandad Khan and Abbas Afridi took one wicket each for Pakistan but couldn’t stop the Proteas.
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat. The Men in Green fielded a strong XI, including Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, and Haris Rauf. South Africa countered with Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, and skipper Heinrich Klaasen.
The series concludes with South Africa leading 2-0, delivering a dominant performance against Pakistan in the T20 format.
