Rawalpindi, October 28, 2025 – South Africa delivered a stunning performance to crush Pakistan by 55 runs in the opening T20 International (T20I) of the three-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Chasing a target of 195 runs, Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled for just 139 runs, unable to withstand South Africa’s fiery bowling attack. Corbin Bosch led the assault with a 4-wicket haul, while George Linde chipped in with three crucial wickets, ensuring the hosts’ downfall on their home turf.
Earlier, the Proteas posted a competitive total of 194/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite some mid-innings hiccups, South Africa’s top and middle order contributed effectively, keeping the scoreboard ticking and setting a challenging target for Pakistan.
In response, Pakistan began aggressively as Sahibzada Farhan played with intent. Saim Ayub, after surviving an early chance off Breetzke, failed to capitalize and struggled to find rhythm, consuming valuable deliveries without scoring freely. His slow start ultimately triggered a batting collapse, beginning with Farhan’s dismissal.
Babar Azam’s comeback to the T20I setup, much anticipated by fans, ended in disappointment as he too failed to anchor the innings. The South African pacers maintained relentless pressure, reducing Pakistan to 33/2 at the end of the Powerplay and never allowing the home side to recover.
South Africa’s clinical bowling and sharp fielding dismantled Pakistan’s chase completely, sealing their place in the record books as the first team ever to defeat Pakistan in a T20I while defending a total in Rawalpindi.
With this victory, South Africa take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, gaining momentum ahead of the next encounter. For Pakistan, the loss raises serious questions about their batting strategy and ability to perform under pressure, especially at home conditions.
Cricket fans now eagerly await the second T20I, hoping Pakistan can regroup and respond strongly against a confident South African side that dominated from start to finish.