South Africa opened their T20 series against Pakistan with a commanding 55-run victory in Rawalpindi. Reeza Hendricks anchored the innings with a composed half-century, while Corbin Bosch delivered a career-best bowling spell, ensuring the Proteas dominated both with bat and ball.
The Proteas produced a complete performance to secure a convincing 55-run win over Pakistan in the opening T20 International at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. From the outset, South Africa displayed the discipline and flair that have become hallmarks of their short-format resurgence.
Reeza Hendricks, given a start at the top of the order, set the tone with a composed and confident innings. Mixing patience with aggression, he compiled 60 off 40 deliveries, striking five fours and a six. His partnership with Quinton de Kock gave the Proteas early control, as de Kock added a brisk 23 from 13 balls before falling to a sharp catch at mid-off.
Momentum continued when Tony de Zorzi entered the fray, bringing an explosive edge to the innings. The left-hander played with authority, smashing 36 off just 16 balls, including a towering 90-metre six that had the Rawalpindi crowd gasping. George Linde also contributed a quick-fire 36 from 22 balls, guiding the Proteas to a formidable 194 for nine in their allotted overs.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with Shaheen Afridi the pick of the attack, claiming two wickets but conceding 35 runs in his four overs. The rest of the attack offered little resistance against a South African side that rotated strike well and punished loose deliveries.
In response, Pakistan’s chase faltered early. Corbin Bosch, spearheading the South African bowling unit, produced a career-best performance, taking four wickets for just 14 runs. His disciplined line and ability to extract movement under lights saw key batters, including captain Babar Azam, fall cheaply. Lungi Ngidi and George Linde supported well with crucial breakthroughs, while Lizaad Williams’ consistency added pressure throughout the innings.
Pakistan’s middle order showed brief resistance through Fakhar Zaman and Iftikhar Ahmed, but once Bosch returned for his second spell, the innings unravelled quickly. The hosts were dismissed for 139 in 18.1 overs, handing the Proteas a comprehensive victory and an early lead in the three-match series.
The result marked an encouraging start for South Africa, who showcased depth in both departments. Hendricks’ reliability at the top, coupled with Bosch’s precision with the ball, gave head coach Rob Walter plenty to be pleased about. With confidence high, the Proteas will look to maintain their dominance when the sides meet again later this week.
