Pakistan’s fragile batting faltered yet again as South Africa cruised to a dominant 55-run win in the first T20I at Rawalpindi on Tuesday night. Chasing 195, the hosts were bundled out for just 139 in 18.1 overs.
Pacer Corbin Bosch was the star of the night with exceptional figures of 4-14, delivering a brilliant display in the death overs. Left-arm spinner George Linde supported him with 3-31 as Pakistan collapsed, losing seven wickets for only 58 runs after a steady start.
Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub cautiously added 31, before Farhan was bowled by Lizaad Williams for 24. Babar Azam’s much-awaited T20I return was short-lived, as he fell for a golden duck to Bosch. Skipper Salman Ali Agha also departed cheaply, leaving Pakistan 43-3.
Saim top-scored with 37, but his dismissal sparked a middle-order breakdown, with Usman Khan, Hasan Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf offering little resistance. Mohammad Nawaz’s 36 off 20 briefly revived hopes, but the lower order folded quickly.
Earlier, South Africa reached 194-9, largely due to Reeza Hendricks’ classy 60 and a timely 36 from Linde. Nawaz (3-26) and Saim (2-31) bowled well to prevent the Proteas from crossing 200 after a fiery opening partnership. Quinton de Kock struck 23 on his return, while debutant Tony de Zorzi impressed with 33.
Late strikes from Naseem and Shaheen kept Pakistan in the contest, but the target proved too stiff. With Lahore hosting the second T20I on Friday, Pakistan face renewed scrutiny over their batting, leadership, and game strategy.
