LIVE: South Africa vs Pakistan – Second T20I
The second T20I between South Africa and Pakistan is underway, bringing fans an electrifying clash at SuperSport Park, Centurion. Both teams are battling fiercely to take control of the series, showcasing their talent and determination on the global stage
Toss and Team News
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first, citing their intent to set a challenging target. The visitors made one change to their lineup, bringing in explosive batter Iftikhar Ahmed to strengthen the middle order. South Africa, confident after their win in the first T20I, fielded an unchanged side.
First Innings: Pakistan’s Aggressive Start
Pakistan started their innings with a bang as openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan displayed exceptional stroke play. Babar’s elegant drives and Rizwan’s aggressive approach put South Africa’s bowlers under pressure early on. By the end of the powerplay, Pakistan had raced to 58-1, losing Rizwan to a sharp catch at cover off Lungi Ngidi’s bowling.
The middle overs saw a scintillating partnership between Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed. Iftikhar’s quickfire 42 off 24 balls kept the scoreboard ticking, while Babar anchored the innings. Pakistan finished their innings at a competitive 184-6, with Babar scoring a classy 76 off 52 balls. Anrich Nortje was the pick of the South African bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 28 runs.
Second Innings: South Africa’s Chase
Chasing 185, South Africa’s openers Reeza Hendricks and Quinton de Kock started cautiously, respecting Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Shaheen Afridi’s fiery opening spell yielded the wicket of Hendricks in the third over, giving Pakistan an early breakthrough.
De Kock, however, counter-attacked, finding boundaries with ease. His 61 off 38 balls set the foundation for South Africa’s chase. Contributions from Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen kept the momentum alive. The equation boiled down to 24 runs required off the last two overs.
The Decisive Moments
With Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf bowling at the death, Pakistan’s bowlers executed their plans well. Haris’ yorkers and Afridi’s pace restricted South Africa to singles and twos. In the final over, South Africa needed 12 runs to win. Haris Rauf held his nerve and delivered a match-winning over, conceding just 8 runs and taking two wickets. Pakistan clinched a thrilling 3-run victory to level the series 1-1.
Key Performances
Babar Azam (PAK): A sublime knock of 76 anchored Pakistan’s innings.
Anrich Nortje (SA): His disciplined bowling kept Pakistan in check during the middle overs.
Quinton de Kock (SA): A valiant effort with a quickfire 61 kept South Africa in the hunt.
Haris Rauf (PAK): Outstanding death bowling ensured Pakistan’s narrow victory.
What’s Next?
The series is now perfectly poised at 1-1, setting up a mouthwatering decider in the third T20I. Both teams will look to fine-tune their strategies and iron out any weaknesses as they aim for a series victory.
