South Africa and Pakistan are gearing up for the second T20I of their three-match series, which is scheduled to take place at Centurion Park on December 13, 2024. South Africa currently leads the series 1-0 after a thrilling victory in the opening game. For Pakistan, the second T20I is a must-win match if they are to keep their hopes of claiming the series alive.
In the first T20I, held on December 10, 2024, at Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban, South Africa emerged victorious by 11 runs, thanks to an outstanding all-round performance from George Linde and a blistering half-century from David Miller. South Africa set a competitive total of 183, and in response, Pakistan managed only 172-8 in their 20 overs. Linde played a pivotal role, both with bat and ball, making a stunning return to international cricket after over two years. He smashed 48 runs off 24 balls, hitting four sixes and three fours, before claiming four wickets for just 21 runs in his four overs.
Pakistan’s chase was anchored by their captain, Mohammad Rizwan, who played a lone hand with an excellent 74 from 62 balls. His efforts, however, were not enough, as he was dismissed in the final over by Kwena Maphaka, leaving Pakistan falling short of the target. The Pakistani innings got off to a shaky start, with Babar Azam dismissed for a duck in the third over by Maphaka. Rizwan and Saim Ayub then steadied the ship with a 40-run partnership, with Saim contributing a quickfire 31 off just 15 balls. But the chase began to unravel when Linde’s brilliance in the 18th over brought three crucial wickets, leaving Pakistan needing 19 runs from the final over, a task they could not achieve.
Earlier, South Africa had a rocky start to their innings, slipping to 28-3 as Pakistan’s bowlers dominated early exchanges. However, Miller’s explosive 82 from 40 balls, which included eight sixes and four fours, turned the tide. After his dismissal, Linde’s cameo ensured that South Africa posted a challenging total of 183-9. With the series now at a critical juncture, Pakistan will need a strong and collective performance in the second T20I to level the series.