South Africa crush Pakistan by 55 runs in first T20 to take series lead

South Africa outplayed Pakistan in the first T20 of the three-match series at Rawalpindi, clinching a convincing 55-run victory to take a 1–0 lead.

After being put in to bat first, South Africa scored 194 for 9 in 20 overs, powered by Reeza Hendricks’ 60, George Linde’s 36, and de Zorzi’s 33.
For Pakistan, Mohammad Nawaz claimed 3 wickets, Saim Ayub took 2, while Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Naseem Shah picked up one apiece.

In reply, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered and the team was bowled out for 139 in the 19th over. Saim Ayub (37) and Mohammad Nawaz (36) were the only notable scorers, while Babar Azam fell for a duck and captain Salman Ali Agha managed just 2 runs.
For South Africa, Corbin Bosch starred with 4 wickets, George Linde grabbed 3, and Lizaad Williams claimed 2 wickets.

The match also carried a special message as part of the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign — Pakistan’s players wore special pink kits, while South African cricketers and match officials sported pink ribbons in solidarity.