Batting first on Pakistan’s invitation, South Africa posted a strong total of 194 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs, setting a challenging target of 195. In reply, Pakistan’s batting lineup once again failed to deliver and was bowled out for just 139 runs.
For Pakistan, Saim Ayub top-scored with 37 runs, while Mohammad Nawaz added 36 and Sahibzada Farhan scored 24. Captain Babar Azam disappointed fans by returning to the pavilion without scoring, continuing his recent poor form. Agha Salman managed only 2 runs, Usman Khan scored 12, Hasan Nawaz 3, and Faheem Ashraf 1. Shaheen Afridi added 4 runs while Naseem Shah contributed 9 before the innings collapsed.
South Africa’s bowlers dominated throughout. Corbin Bosch took 4 wickets, George Linde claimed 3, Lizard Williams picked 2, and Lungi Ngidi grabbed 1 wicket, sealing a commanding victory for the visitors.
Earlier, South Africa’s top order fired powerfully. Reeza Hendricks led the innings with a brilliant unbeaten 60 off 40 balls. George Linde scored 36, Tony de Zorzi 33, and Quinton de Kock made 23 runs. Donovan Ferreira, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, and Matthew Breetzke chipped in small contributions.
For Pakistan, Mohammad Nawaz took 3 wickets, Saim Ayub grabbed 2, while Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Naseem Shah claimed one each. Shaheen Afridi, however, proved expensive, conceding 45 runs in his 4 overs.
Pakistan’s defeat once again highlighted their inconsistent batting and over-reliance on individual performances. The middle order failed to build momentum after early wickets, while bowlers struggled with line and length under pressure. South Africa, on the other hand, played with discipline and aggression, showing how a balanced approach wins matches. Pakistan will now need major improvement to bounce back in the remaining games.
