South Africa overpower Pakistan by 55 runs in Rawalpindi T20I

• Scorecard is available here

 Rawalpindi, 29 October 2025:

Reeza Hendricks struck a fluent half-century and Corbin Bosch led a sharp bowling effort as South Africa defeated Pakistan by 55 runs in the opening Twenty20 international on Tuesday.

Hendricks anchored South Africa’s innings with 60 off 40 balls, while Tony de Zorzi smashed 33 off 16 deliveries to lift the visitors to 194-9 after being sent in to bat at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

George Linde added late impetus with 36 from 22 balls, hitting four fours and a six, as South Africa maintained a brisk scoring rate despite losing wickets regularly. Mohammad Nawaz was the pick of Pakistan’s bowlers with 3-26 from four overs, while Saim Ayub took 2-31.

In reply, Pakistan faltered to 139 all out in 18.1 overs. Saim Ayub top-scored with 37 off 28 balls, striking four sixes, while Nawaz contributed a quick 36 off 20 in a losing cause. No other batter passed 25 as South Africa’s attack applied constant pressure.

Bosch returned figures of 4-14 in four overs, dismantling Pakistan’s middle and lower order. Left-arm spinner Linde chipped in with 3-31, and Lizaad Williams claimed two wickets to seal a comprehensive victory.

Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain South Africa’s top order after Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Hendricks in the 18^th over to end a fluent knock. Despite late wickets, the visitors’ total proved more than enough.

The teams will now travel to Lahore for the remaining two matches of the series, scheduled for Friday and Saturday at Gaddafi Stadium.