South Africa set 195-run target for Pakistan in first T20

RAWALPINDI: South Africa set a 195-run target for Pakistan in the opening T20 International being played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Batting first after losing the toss, South Africa posted 194 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. Reeza Hendricks led the innings with a solid 60 runs, while George Linde contributed 36 and Tony de Zorzi added 33. Quinton de Kock made 23 runs.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Nawaz was the standout bowler with three wickets, while Saim Ayub took two. Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed claimed one wicket each.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and opted to field first, saying the team included several new faces and that the aim was to restrict South Africa to a manageable total.

Pakistan’s playing XI includes Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed.

The national side wore special pink-themed kits to promote breast cancer awareness. A large number of cricket fans turned up at the Rawalpindi Stadium to witness the series opener.