South Africa crush Pakistan by 56 runs in first T20I

RAWALPINDI: South Africa defeated Pakistan in the first T20 International, handing the hosts a 56-run loss in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.

Chasing a target of 195 runs, Pakistan were bowled out for 139, struggling to build momentum after losing wickets at regular intervals.

For Pakistan, Sahibzada Farhan scored 24 runs, while Saim Ayub made 37. Captain Salman Ali Agha was dismissed for just two runs, and Babar Azam went out without scoring. None of the middle or lower-order batters managed to resist the South African attack, as the hosts collapsed before completing their 20 overs.

Earlier, after Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first, South Africa posted 194 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. Reeza Hendricks top-scored with 60 runs, while George Linde contributed 36 and Tony de Zorzi added 33.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Nawaz claimed three wickets, while Saim Ayub took two. Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed picked up a wicket each.

Pakistan played the match wearing special pink-themed jerseys to raise awareness about breast cancer.

A large crowd gathered at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium to watch the opening match of the series, cheering enthusiastically despite Pakistan’s disappointing performance.