Van der Dussen’s Fifty & Hendricks’ Heroics Flatten Pakistan:
Match Highlights:
- South Africa: 210/3 (Hendricks 117, Van der Dussen 66*, Jahandad 2/40)
- Pakistan: 206/5 (Ayub 98*, Azam 31, Irfan 30, Galiem 2/21)
- Result: South Africa won by five wickets
Reeza Hendricks scored his maiden T20I century in his decade-long international career, leading South Africa to their first bilateral T20I series win since August 2022. Chasing a massive target, South Africa registered the third-highest successful chase at SuperSport Park, breaking a trophy drought spanning eight series. The victory also marked Rob Walter’s first T20I series triumph as South Africa’s white-ball coach since his appointment in March 2023.
Hendricks & Van der Dussen Anchor the Chase:
Asked to bowl first, South Africa conceded 206, the fifth-highest total at SuperSport Park. However, Hendricks & Rassie van der Dussen forged a stellar third-wicket partnership of 157 runs off 83 balls, laying the foundation for the chase. Hendricks’ century came off just 54 balls, while Van der Dussen stayed unbeaten on 66, hitting the winning runs with Heinrich Klaasen at the other end.
Pakistan’s Missed Opportunities:
Over-Reliance on Slower Balls:
Pakistan’s bowling leaned heavily on slower deliveries, which failed to contain the South African batters. Despite crossing 200, Pakistan lost momentum in the middle overs. From 103/1 after 11 overs, they managed only 136/4 after 16 overs, losing three wickets for 33 runs.
Key Partnerships Keep Pakistan in the Game:
Pakistan’s innings was anchored by two major stands:
- Babar Azam & Saim Ayub: 87 runs off 45 balls
- Ayub & Irfan Khan: 73 runs off 32 balls
Saim Ayub played a sensational knock, finishing unbeaten on 98, but faced only six balls in the last three overs, leaving Pakistan just short of a winning total.
Dayyaan Galiem’s Mixed Debut:
Debutant Dayyaan Galiem had a rollercoaster outing. Initially, Galiem was set to enjoy the game from the hospitality suite but was called up after Anrich Nortje’s injury.
Key Contributions:
- Took his first international wicket when Usman Khan top-edged to deep third.
- Finished with impressive figures of 2/21, including 12 dot balls.
Despite his success, Galiem had costly errors, dropping Ayub early & fumbling a crucial catch at long-on later in the match.
Saim Ayub’s Spectacular Innings:
Saim Ayub proved his potential as an opener, crafting a career-best knock of 98*. He blended power with finesse, smashing three sixes in a single over & complementing Babar Azam brilliantly. However, Ayub’s lack of strike in the final overs denied him a maiden T20I century & left Pakistan short of a more competitive score.
Jahandad Khan’s Impactful Bowling:
Replacing wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, Jahandad Khan made an immediate impact:
- Dismissed Ryan Rickelton with his second delivery, edging him to Rizwan.
- Sent Matthew Breetzke back with a short ball, reducing South Africa to 28/2 in four overs.
His controlled bowling brought much-needed breakthroughs, finishing with 2/40.
Hendricks Silences Critics with a Century:
Reeza Hendricks delivered under pressure, proving his worth after being dropped from the ODI squad. His innings was a masterclass in timing & power, featuring:
- 10 sixes & 7 fours in a 63-ball 117.
- A crucial 54-ball century, showcasing dominance in the chase.
Hendricks’ knock ensured South Africa remained ahead of Pakistan at every stage, bringing up his hundred with a towering six off Haris Rauf.
Conclusion:
South Africa’s victory was a combination of Hendricks’ brilliance, Van der Dussen’s composure, & Galiem’s impactful debut. While Pakistan showed flashes of brilliance, they fell short in execution. This win not only ended South Africa’s T20I series drought but also showcased their resurgence under Rob Walter’s leadership.
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