Reeza Hendricks’ brilliant century gives his team the series lead against Pakistan since August 2022
The 2nd T20I between Pakistan and South Africa was played at Centurion and turned out to be a paradise for batsmen. Both teams performed brilliantly, creating a high-scoring match that entertained cricket fans thoroughly. South Africa chased a target of 207 runs in 19.3 overs with just 3 wickets down, taking a 2-0 lead in the series. Reeza Hendricks played a match-winning knock of 117 runs off 63 balls, while Pakistan’s Saim Ayub stood out with an unbeaten 98 runs.
Scorecard Review:
Toss:
Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat first.
1st Innings: Pakistan’s Strong Total
Pakistan set a strong and impressive target of 207 runs while batting first. Saim Ayub played an explosive innings, scoring an unbeaten 98 runs off 57 balls. Unfortunately, he fell short of reaching his maiden century, but his powerful batting helped Pakistan build a strong total. He dominated the South African bowlers and played a key role in setting the target. Irfan Khan also contributed with an aggressive knock, forming a solid 73-run partnership with Saim Ayub. Pakistan ended their innings with 206 runs, losing 5 wickets.
Key Contributions:
- Saim Ayub’s 98*: A brilliant, unbeaten knock.
- 2nd Wicket Partnership: Babar Azam and Saim Ayub formed a vital 87-run partnership off 45 balls.
- Saim Ayub and Irfan Khan’s Partnership: A powerful 73-run stand that helped Pakistan reach 206.
2nd Innings: South Africa’s Phenomenal Chase
South Africa chased down the target comfortably thanks to some outstanding batting performances. Pakistan’s bowlers started well, taking two early wickets, but Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen took control of the game. They dominated the bowling attack and guided South Africa toward the target.
Key Contributions:
- Reeza Hendricks: Played a match-winning knock, scoring a superb 117 runs.
- Hendricks and van der Dussen’s Partnership: The pair put together a crucial partnership of 157 runs off 83 balls, playing a significant role in the chase.
- Rassie van der Dussen: Scored a quick 66 runs off 38 balls and finished the game with a brilliant six.
Result:
South Africa won the match by 7 wickets and took a 2-0 lead in the series.
Player of the Match:
Reeza Hendricks was awarded Player of the Match for his exceptional batting performance. His knock of 117 runs will be remembered as one of the best innings of his career.
Scorecard
Pakistan Batting
South Africa Bowling
| Batsmen | Score |
| Muhammad Rizwan(c) | 11(13) |
| Saim Ayub | 98*(57) |
| Babar Azam | 31(20) |
| Usman Khan | 3(5) |
| Tayyab Tahir | 6(6) |
| Irfan Khan | 30(16) |
| Abbas Afridi | 11*(4) |
| Extras | 16(nb1, wd15) |
| Total | 206/5 |
| Bowler | O-R-W-E |
| Dayyaan Galiem | 4-21-2-5.25 |
| Kwena Maphaka | 3-41-0-13.66 |
| Donovan Ferreira | 3-37-0-12.33 |
| Ottneil Baartman | 4-51-2-12.75 |
| Nqabayomzi Peter | 2-28-0-14.0 |
| George Linde | 4-28-1-7.0 |
South Africa Batting
Pakistan Bowling
| Batsmen | Score |
| Reeza Hendricks | 117(63) |
| Ryan Rickelton | 2(2) |
| Matthew Breetzke | 12(10) |
| Rassie van der Dussen | 66*(38) |
| Heinrich Klaasen(c) | 8*(5) |
| Extras | 5(lb1, nb1, wd3) |
| Total | 210/3 |
| Bowler | O-R-W-E |
| Shaheen Shan Afridi | 4-37-0-9.25 |
| Jahandad Khan | 4-40-2-10.0 |
| Haris Rauf | 4-57-0-14.25 |
| Abbas Afridi | 3.3-46-1-13.14 |
| Abrar Ahmad | 4-29-0-7.25 |
Conclusion
Both teams played excellent cricket, but the match was ultimately a high-scoring thriller. A total of 416 runs were scored, making it an entertaining contest for fans. South Africa won the match by 7 wickets, taking control of the series. This victory marked their first T20I series win against Pakistan since August 2022. Despite Saim Ayub’s brilliant knock of 98*, it wasn’t enough to prevent South Africa from dominating the game and winning the series.
