South Africa clinched the T20 International series against Pakistan with a dominant seven-wicket victory in the second match of their three-game series at SuperSport Park, Centurion, on Friday. This win, secured with one match to spare, followed their narrow 11-run victory in the series opener in Durban earlier in the week.
Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first on a flat wicket, posting a formidable total of 206/5 in their 20 overs. The highlight of their innings was an exceptional knock from opener Saim Ayub, who remained unbeaten on 98 runs from 57 balls. Ayub’s brilliant innings included 6 fours and 5 sixes, helping to anchor Pakistan’s total and provide a solid platform for the rest of the batting lineup. Despite Ayub’s heroics, Pakistan’s middle and lower order struggled to accelerate, with South Africa’s bowlers pulling things back towards the end of the innings.
In reply, South Africa overcame a slow start to chase down the target with ease, thanks to a scintillating, match-winning performance from opener Reeza Hendricks. Hendricks smashed his maiden T20 International century, finishing unbeaten on 117 runs off just 63 balls. His knock was a masterclass in power hitting, as he struck 10 sixes and 5 fours, dominating the Pakistan bowlers throughout the chase. Hendricks’ century not only led his side to victory but also ensured that South Africa sealed the series 2-0, making the final match on Saturday in Johannesburg a dead rubber.
Hendricks was ably supported by Rassie van der Dussen, who played a crucial supporting role with an unbeaten 66 from 38 balls. The pair put together a remarkable 157-run partnership for the third wicket, which set a new South African record for the highest partnership in T20 Internationals for that wicket. Van der Dussen’s composed approach allowed Hendricks to go on the attack, and together they guided South Africa to the target with three balls to spare.
This victory also saw Hendricks achieve a personal milestone, as his knock marked his 18th career half-century in T20Is, setting a new South African record, surpassing Quinton de Kock’s tally of 17.
The win not only ensured the series victory but also gave the Proteas a confidence boost ahead of their upcoming fixtures. Pakistan, on the other hand, entered the match under a cloud of uncertainty, with the news that their Test coach, Jason Gillespie, had resigned just before the start of a four-match Test series against South Africa, scheduled to begin later this month.
The third and final T20 match of the series will take place on Saturday in Johannesburg, where South Africa will look to complete a clean sweep. Following the T20 series, the two teams will shift their focus to a three-match One-Day International series, which is part of the build-up to the 2024 ICC Champions Trophy, set to be held in Pakistan in February.
