Win Projections to be updated soon
Lahore, 31 October 2025:
South Africa all-rounder George Linde hailed his team’s disciplined bowling performance after their 55-run victory over Pakistan in the opening T20I at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday night.
Linde starred with both bat and ball, scoring 36 runs and taking three wickets with his left-arm spin to help South Africa defend 195 on a surface that offered more assistance to bowlers than usual.
“We knew Rawalpindi is generally a high-scoring ground, but the pitch didn’t play the way it normally does,” Linde said at the post-match press conference at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. “We weren’t completely comfortable with 195, but we felt if we bowled well and we did, we could defend it.”
The all-rounder also praised the passionate home supporters who filled the stands. “The crowd was amazing,” he said. “I’ve played in the PSL before and fans here always come in big numbers. They support Pakistan with so much energy and it’s great to see.”
Acknowledging Pakistan’s strong record at home, Linde said South Africa’s focus was on execution rather than over planning. “Pakistan know these conditions very well, so we just stuck to our game plans,” he said. “Our team has a good mix of experience and youth, and the seamers were outstanding tonight.”
Linde dismissed suggestions that Pakistan had fallen behind in recent years, instead emphasising their quality and the value of overseas players gaining experience in local conditions through the PSL. “Pakistan are a very good side and it always takes a top performance to beat them,” he said. “Playing in the PSL gives players exposure to these pitches. The wickets here are very different from back home, and that experience definitely makes you a better player.”
Reflecting on South Africa’s depth, Linde said he was encouraged by the strength of the squad despite several senior players being rested. “We’ve got great depth in South African cricket,” he said. “There are so many exciting players knocking on the door. Some of our senior guys are back home preparing for the Test series, which is also very important for us. It’s like rugby back home, young players get opportunities because they’re good enough. It’s all about what you do with that opportunity.”
Both teams arrived in Lahore on Wednesday and trained under lights at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday evening. The second T20I will be played on Friday, October 31, at 8 pm. local time.
