Eman 
Hendricks, Linde, and Bosch Power South Africa to Dominant 1-0 Lead Over Pakistan
ZeeaK 
South Africa opened their 2025 T20I series against Pakistan with a 55-run dominating win at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, setting up a 1-0 lead in the three-game series. The Proteas produced an overall all-round show, topped by George Linde (36 from 22 and 3/31), while Reeza Hendricks provided the foundation of the innings with an excellent half-century. Corbin Bosch then put the screws further by taking a deadly four-wicket haul.
Proteas Off to a Flying Start
Having been asked to bat first, Quinton de Kock did not take long to get his groove back, playing a couple of scorching shots before getting out to Saim Ayub, who struck in the PowerPlay. But Reeza Hendricks seemed to be in sublime form, timing the ball immaculately and hitting the gaps with ease. Along with debutant Tony de Zorzi, he took South Africa to 74/1 after six overs — an impressive start on a tricky wicket.
De Zorzi batted a thrilling 33 off only 16 deliveries before being stumped, while Dewald Brevis and Matthew Breetzke were unable to make the most of their starts as Pakistan fought their way back into the match.
In spite of the rapid wickets, Hendricks stood strong and scored his 18th T20I fifty in 33 balls. He was followed by George Linde, who turned the game in South Africa’s favor. Linde launched a four-ball assault on Shaheen Afridi in the 17th over and followed it up with an enormous six off Abrar Ahmed. Although Pakistan hammered late, South Africa’s attack-minded batting propelled them to a tough 194/9 in 20 overs.
Pakistan Stumble in Chase
Pakistan’s reply began on shaky terms when Saim Ayub escaped a first-ball duck. Sahibzada Farhan tried to raise the run rate with some fluent boundaries but was bowled by Lizaad Williams. The returning Babar Azam could not make a dent either, getting out for a duck as Pakistan struggled to 34/2 in the PowerPlay.
The middle order collapsed, with Salman Ali Agha and Usman Khan getting out cheaply. Saim Ayub, who was threatening with some sixes against Linde, also got out to the spinner, who then got rid of Faheem Ashraf soon after. Lungi Ngidi and Corbin Bosch swept through the tail as Pakistan collapsed under pressure.
Mohammad Nawaz battled hard with a busy 36, with some lusty shots at Ngidi and Burger, but it was not enough. Bosch concluded the innings with 4 for 14, while Linde concluded with 3 for 36, as South Africa wrapped up a comfortable 55-run win.
Match Summary
South Africa – 194/9 in 20 overs (Reeza Hendricks 60, George Linde 36; Mohammad Nawaz 3/26, Saim Ayub 2/31)
Pakistan – 139 in 18.1 overs (Saim Ayub 37, Mohammad Nawaz 36; Corbin Bosch 4/14, George Linde 3/36)
South Africa win by 55 runs and take series 1-0
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