A day before the second T20 international between South Africa and Pakistan, Quinton de Kock said, “We know Pakistan will come back harder after a loss. We’re mentally preparing for that.”
Pakistan indeed came back stronger following a decisive defeat in the series opener in Rawalpindi. However, whether South Africa was adequately prepared for the counterattack they faced is open to question.
As in the first game, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first. South Africa made a single change, with Ottniel Baartman stepping in for Lizaad Williams, while Pakistan dropped Shaheen Shah Afridi in favor of Salman Mirza.
De Kock’s words quickly rang true as the Proteas found themselves on the back foot.
Pakistan launched into the innings with Mirza dismissing Reeza Hendricks with the second ball. Quinton de Kock misplayed a Naseem Shah delivery shortly after, resulting in two wickets for Pakistan within two overs.
The onslaught continued as Tony De Zorzi misjudged a slow bouncer, caught by Abrar at short fine leg, leaving South Africa in disarray at 15/3 after just three overs.
Mirza maintained the pressure, clean bowling Matthew Breetzke with a skillful cutter that pierced his defenses.
In the power play, Pakistan dominated, limiting South Africa to a mere 31 runs while claiming 4 wickets.
Dewald Brevis, South Africa’s top performer that night, fell for 25 after misjudging another shot, leading to Ashraf claiming further wickets and concluding South Africa’s innings at a disappointing total of 111.
With no significant partnerships formed and wickets falling regularly, South Africa’s total was far from competitive.
Brevis 25 – Ferreira 15
Ashraf 4/12 – Mirza 3/14
To challenge Pakistan, South Africa needed to replicate Pakistan's aggressive start.
Pakistan began their chase solidly, with the openers cautious yet effective. After some initial nervousness, Sahibzada Farhan found rhythm, delivering the first six of the innings against Lungi Ngidi.
Farhan targeted Corbin Bosch as well, hitting a powerful six, while Saim Ayub experienced luck as he edged a delivery for runs, contributing to Pakistan’s momentum.
As the innings progressed, Farhan and Saim’s partnership flourished, allowing Pakistan to finish the powerplay with a solid score of 49/1.
In the 7th over, Ayub showcased skillful batting, though he was eventually dismissed, prompting cheers for the arrival of Babar Azam, who made a strong impression on his first ball.
Despite South Africa's changes, it was apparent that Saim Ayub took every opportunity and punished Baartman, netting 21 runs off him.
Ayub celebrated his 50 with a well-crafted 29-ball innings, signaling Pakistan's intent as they picked up the pace with 43 runs scored post the powerplay.
In a significant moment, Babar overtook Rohit Sharma to become the highest T20 international run scorer, further indicating his caliber.
Saim Ayub hit the final six to seal the emphatic victory for Pakistan, heightening the excitement for the final game of the series.
As the series advances to a decisive conclusion, Pakistan carries forward the momentum from this dominantly executed match.
Article by Riaz Hamed
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