In a high-octane first T20I at Kingsmead, South Africa edged past Pakistan by 11 runs, thanks to a stellar all-round performance from George Linde. Returning to the national side after a three-year hiatus, Linde made an unforgettable impact with a blistering 24-ball 48 and a game-changing spell of 4-21. Although he was momentarily thought to have claimed a hat-trick in the penultimate over, a review denied him the feat, but his Player-of-the-Match honours were never in doubt.
South Africa, fielding a largely second-string side, batted first on a flat Durban pitch after Heinrich Klaasen won the toss. Despite losing Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, and Matthew Breetzke early to Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abrar Ahmed, David Miller's fireworks carried the innings. His commanding 82 off just 40 balls dismantled Pakistan’s bowling attack, ensuring a competitive total of 183 for 9.
Chasing 184, Pakistan got off to a brisk start, led by Saim Ayub, even as Babar Azam departed for a duck. However, the innings lost momentum in the middle overs as South Africa tightened their grip with disciplined bowling. Rizwan, Pakistan’s mainstay, struggled initially, crawling to 36 runs off 44 deliveries before finding his rhythm late in the game. With the middle order failing to provide support, Pakistan found themselves under pressure as the required run rate soared.
A dramatic 17th over bowled by 18-year-old Kwena Maphaka momentarily brought Pakistan back into contention, conceding 24 runs as Rizwan smashed two sixes and several boundaries. Ottneil Baartman’s next over also proved expensive, leaving Pakistan needing just 19 off the final six balls. But Maphaka redeemed himself in the 20th over, deceiving Rizwan with a slower delivery that resulted in a top-edge dismissal, sealing the game for South Africa.
Pakistan’s sluggish start with the bat and lapses in their death bowling proved costly. Meanwhile, South Africa capitalised on every opportunity, showcasing clinical execution with both bat and ball. The match underlined the importance of momentum, and George Linde’s remarkable return became the defining narrative of the evening.