NEW DELHI: Spinner George Linde delivered a stellar all-round performance to guide South Africa to an 11-run win over Pakistan in the first T20I at Kingsmead on Tuesday.
Linde played a pivotal role with the bat, smashing a quickfire 48 off just 24 balls to help South Africa post a challenging total of 183-9 after opting to bat first. His explosive knock provided crucial momentum to the innings.
David Miller was the standout performer with the bat, hammering a blistering 82 off 40 balls. His innings featured eight fours and four towering sixes, anchoring South Africa’s total despite wickets falling at regular intervals.
In response, Pakistan managed 172-8, falling short despite a valiant effort by skipper Mohammad Rizwan, who top-scored with 74. Rizwan held the innings together but lacked adequate support, and the visitors struggled to keep up with the required run rate.
Linde shone with the ball, returning exceptional figures of 4-21 in his four overs. He nearly claimed a hat-trick, but a review saved Haris Rauf after an LBW decision was overturned. Linde’s spell was instrumental in curbing Pakistan’s chase.
The two sides will face off again on Friday in Pretoria and conclude the T20I series on Saturday at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.
Following the T20Is, South Africa and Pakistan will meet for a three-match ODI series next week.
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