Rain washes out Pakistan vs South Africa 3rd T20

JOHANNESBURG: Pakistan vs South Africa third and final T20 match was abandoned due to heavy rain, with the Proteas claiming the three-match series 2-0. 

Inclement weather in Johannesburg, accompanied by strong winds and persistent rain, prevented even the toss from taking place. 

Pakistan had already lost the first two matches of the series, sealing the victory for the home side before the final match. 

Before the rain interruption, Pakistan had announced their playing XI with one change: Salman Ali Agha replaced Usman Khan, who had struggled in the earlier games. 

In the Pakistan vs South Africa second T20 played in Centurion, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 206 for 5, thanks to a brilliant knock of 98 from Saim Ayub, supported by Babar Azam’s 31 and Irfan Khan’s 30. 

Irfan Khan Niazi netted himself 30 runs off 16 balls, with Abbas Afridi, Usman Khan and Tayyab Tahir scoring 23 runs between themselves.

South African bowlers put up a modest performance, with Dayyan Galiem and Ottniel Baartman taking two wickets each, while conceding 72 between themselves.

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George Linde clinched a single wicket in his allotted four overs while yielding 26 runs.

It was South African batters that put on the heat, with Reeza Hendricks scoring 117 runs off 63 balls.

Similarly, Rassie van der Dussen remained unbeaten with 66 runs off 38 balls, and Matthew Breetzke scored 12 off 10 balls.

While Pakistani bowlers put up a good fight, they faltered under the onslaught of South African batters. Jahandad Khan clinched two wickets in his alloted four overs but ended up yielding 40 runs!

Similarly, Abbas Afridi clinched a single wicket while conceding over 46 runs in 3.3 overs. Abrar Ahmed decided to gift the match to the South African bowlers on a silver platter as he yielded 29 runs in just 24 balls!

However, South Africa comfortably chased the target with 3 balls to spare, powered by a stunning century from opener Reeza Hendricks, who was declared the player of the match for his outstanding performance.

Pakistan’s tour of South Africa, running from December 10 to January 7, includes three T20s, three ODIs, and two Test matches. The first ODI will take place on December 17 in Paarl, while the two Tests are scheduled for December 26 in Centurion and January 3 in Cape Town.