South Africa began their T20I series against Pakistan with a powerful all-round display in Rawalpindi. The visitors dominated both with bat and ball to win the first match by 55 runs. It was a complete team performance, but once again, Hendricks, Linde and Bosch carry SA to an impressive victory that set the tone for the rest of the series.
Hendricks Leads the Charge with the Bat
Batting first after Pakistan chose to bowl, South Africa made a quick and confident start. Quinton de Kock attacked early, smashing a few boundaries before falling to Saim Ayub. But Hendricks, Linde and Bosch carry SA with consistent efforts throughout the game, starting with Reeza Hendricks’ brilliant 60-run knock.
Hendricks played with great timing and control, driving and cutting with precision. Alongside debutant Tony de Zorzi, he helped South Africa reach 74 for 1 at the end of the PowerPlay. De Zorzi played a quick and entertaining 33 from 16 balls before getting stumped, but by then, South Africa had built a solid base.
However, Pakistan fought back with quick wickets — Brevis, Breetzke, and Ferreira all fell cheaply. Even then, Hendricks, Linde and Bosch carry SA through the middle overs, with Hendricks anchoring the innings. He brought up his 18th T20I fifty off just 33 balls, ensuring South Africa didn’t lose momentum.
The finishing touch came from George Linde. After a cautious start, he exploded in the 17th over, hitting Shaheen Afridi for four boundaries in a row. Soon after, he slog-swept Abrar Ahmed for six to lift the total close to 200. Although both Linde and Hendricks were dismissed before the end, their contributions helped South Africa post a strong 194 for 9 in 20 overs. Once again, it was clear that Hendricks, Linde and Bosch carry SA when it mattered most.
Bosch and Linde Shine with the Ball
Defending 194, South Africa’s bowlers kept the pressure on from the start. Lizaad Williams struck early to remove Sahibzada Farhan after a brief burst of boundaries. The comeback of Babar Azam didn’t last long either, as he fell for a duck. Hendricks, Linde and Bosch carry SA yet again, with the bowlers maintaining discipline and control.
George Linde took charge in the middle overs, using his spin cleverly. Even though Saim Ayub counterattacked with a few sixes, Linde had the last laugh — removing Ayub for 37 and later dismissing Usman Khan and Faheem Ashraf. His spell of 3 for 31 broke Pakistan’s resistance and proved that Hendricks, Linde and Bosch carry SA in every department.
Corbin Bosch then took over and delivered the knockout punch. His pace and precision were too much for Pakistan’s lower order. He finished with superb figures of 4 for 14, ensuring that Hendricks, Linde and Bosch carry SA all the way to victory. Bosch’s wickets included Afridi and Naseem Shah, while Williams wrapped up the innings in the 19th over.
Pakistan were bowled out for just 139 in 18.1 overs. Nawaz’s 36 off 24 provided some entertainment, but it wasn’t enough to stop South Africa. The trio’s combined brilliance meant Hendricks, Linde and Bosch carry SA to a convincing 55-run win.
In short, Hendricks, Linde and Bosch carry SA through every phase of the game — Hendricks with the bat, Linde as the all-rounder, and Bosch with the ball. Their performances highlighted South Africa’s growing depth and confidence in T20 cricket. If they continue in the same form, Pakistan will find it hard to bounce back in the next two matches.
Once again, Hendricks, Linde and Bosch carry SA — not just to a win, but to a commanding lead in the series.
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