After a three-year hiatus from international cricket, George Linde lit up Kingsmead with a stellar all-round performance, leading South Africa to an electrifying 11-run victory over Pakistan in the first T20I. Linde’s whirlwind 24-ball 48 and his game-changing 4 for 21 with the ball earned him the Player-of-the-Match award, as the Proteas edged past a valiant Pakistan on a thrilling Durban evening.
Opting to bat first, South Africa’s innings wavered early, with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abrar Ahmed reducing them to 3 for 31. Enter David Miller, who turned the tide with a scintillating 40-ball 82. Coming in at No. 4, Miller showcased a sublime mix of power, timing, and precision, particularly against spin, as he tore apart Pakistan’s bowling plans. Abrar’s 10th over became a graveyard for Pakistan’s hopes, yielding three towering sixes.
Miller’s onslaught helped South Africa recover to post a competitive 183. Even after his dismissal, Linde ensured the momentum carried into the death overs, plundering 18 off the final over bowled by Sufiyan Muqeem.
Chasing 184, Pakistan’s hopes dimmed early when Babar Azam fell for a duck. Saim Ayub reignited the innings with an explosive 31 off 13 balls, but his departure after the powerplay left Pakistan reliant on Mohammad Rizwan.
Rizwan struggled to find fluency in the first half of his innings, managing just 36 off his first 44 deliveries. However, he exploded late, smashing 38 off his last 18 balls. Kwena Maphaka’s expensive 17th over, which conceded 24 runs, brought Pakistan back into the contest. Yet, Maphaka redeemed himself in the final over, dismissing Rizwan with a clever slower ball to seal the game.
Linde’s crafty left-arm spin proved pivotal, dismantling Pakistan’s middle order. His near-hat-trick in the penultimate over was overturned on review, but his figures of 4 for 21 underscored his dominance. Youngster Maphaka showed promise despite a late wobble, while Ottniel Baartman’s control in the middle overs tightened the noose on Pakistan.
South Africa’s second-string side showcased resilience and clinical execution to edge out a strong Pakistan unit. Linde’s remarkable comeback underlined his value, while Miller reminded the world of his prowess under pressure. Pakistan, despite Rizwan’s heroics, will rue their disjointed batting approach and costly overs at the death.
As the series moves forward, both teams have plenty to ponder. For now, South Africa leads 1-0, buoyed by the brilliance of Linde and Miller.
Key Moments Define the Clash
- Miller’s Assault: His 82 accounted for nearly half of South Africa’s runs, exposing Pakistan’s vulnerabilities against power-hitting.
- Linde’s All-Round Heroics: Linde not only boosted the Proteas’ total but also applied the brakes with timely wickets.
- Rizwan’s Late Charge: The Pakistan skipper’s valiant 74 off 62 fell short, highlighting the damage done by a sluggish start.
- Saim’s Brief Spark: Ayub’s powerplay fireworks raised questions about Pakistan’s decision to send him in at No. 3.
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