Pakistan vs South Africa, SA in PAK, 3 T20Is, 2025 Oct 28 Full score card

OUT! TAKEN! DONE AND DUSTED! South Africa have taken a lead of 1-0 in the 3-match series. Full and angling in, around leg. Mohammad Nawaz backs away and tries to loft it. But as the ball follows him, Nawaz doesn't get the desired timing and holes out towards long on. Corbin Bosch moves to his left there and pouches it around his shoulders. It has been a comprehensive win for the Proteas. SOUTH AFRICA WIN BY 55 RUNS!

WIDE! A slower delivery, full but wide outside off. Nawaz leaves it. Called a wide.

Lizaad Williams (3-0-20-1) is back on for the penultimate over of the match.

Angling in, full and around off, Abrar Ahmed gets squared up but manages to defend it towards cover point.

Back of a length and around leg, Nawaz backs away and tries to punch but gets an inside edge towards short fine. A single taken.

WIDE! A short delivery that goes over the head of the batter. Mohammad Nawaz ducks underneath it. Called a wide.

Pace taken off, on a length and outside off, Nawaz shuffles across and keeps it out towards mid-wicket.

Back of a length and outside off, Mohammad Nawaz makes room and cuts it towards deep point. Tony de Zorzi cuts it off to his left from deep backward point by sliding and saves two runs for his side.

SIX! WOAH! Full and around leg, Mohammad Nawaz shuffles across and uses the pace of the bowler. Scoops it over the deep fine leg fence for a biggie.

FOUR! Mohammad Nawaz is fighting alone! On a length and outside off, Nawaz backs away and thrashes it through covers for a boundary.

An excellent spell of bowling from Corbin Bosch. He finishes off with extremely economical figures of 4-0-14-4, including 17 dot balls. He has only grown over time and has grabbed every opportunity with both hands. Abrar Ahmed is the last batter in for Pakistan.

OUT! EDGED AND CAUGHT BEHIND! Corbin Bosch picks up his fourth, and Pakistan lose their ninth. On a hard length, angling in, around the fourth stump line. Naseem Shah backs away and tries to cut it, but the ball follows him. He ends up getting a thin outside edge off the bat, which goes behind the wickets and dips low in front of the keeper. Quinton de Kock moves to his right a bit and gathers it safely at knee height.

Hard length and outside off, punched down through cover point for a single by MN.

Short of a length, angling in, around middle. Mohammad Nawaz gets cramped as the ball follows him. The ball hits the gloves of Nawaz and rolls down beside the pitch on the off side.

Lands it full and outside off, does Bosch. Mohammad Nawaz makes a deep base in his crease and tries to slog it downtown, but misses.

WIDE! Short of a length but sliding down the leg side, Nawaz shuffles to pull but misses. Called a wide.

On a hard length and around middle, Nawaz backs away and swings through the line but misses to connect.

FOUR! THRASHED! Full and outside off, Mohammad Nawaz clears his front leg away and smashes it through the gap between extra cover and mid off for a boundary.

Cramping up the batter, on a length and around off, Naseem only manages to push it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Oh, nicely played! Touch shorter and outside off, Naseem Shah backs away and lofts it over extra cover for another boundary.

FOUR! SHOT! On a length and outside off, Naseem Shah hangs back and punches it through covers. The fielder from sweeper cover runs across to his right and even dives, but fails to stop the ball from touching the ropes.

On the fuller side and outside off, Naseem tries to swing downtown but misses.

Angling in, on a length and around off, Naseem keeps it out to cover.

BEATEN! On a length and outside off, Naseem Shah throws his hands at it and looks to cut it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Back of a length, on off, Shah punches it wide of extra cover for a single.

On a hard length, on middle, Naseem punches it back to the bowler.

Naseem Shah walks in next to bat.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Corbin Bosch, too, gets to his 3-fer. Bosch bangs it into the pitch. Short and on top of the stumps. It lands and climbs on the batter as Shaheen prepares to pull it away. But he ends up massively mishitting it. The ball pops off the sticker of the bat and Corbin Bosch takes a few steps forward to swallow an easy return catch. Absolutely undone for extra pace and bounce. Shaheen Afridi departs for 4 (5) and Pakistan are 109/8, needing 86 runs to win off 32 balls.

Short and on the bodyline. Afridi backs away a bit to play the pull shot, but ends up hitting it off the bottom end to the bowler.

FOUR! One bounce and into the fence! Full in length, just outside off. Shaheen Afridi clears the front foot out of the line of the ball and muscles it over mid off for a boundary.

Back of a length, on off, Nawaz stands tall and punches it to extra cover for a single.

Slams the deck hard, does Ngidi. A proper bouncer, on top of off. Shaheen Afridi leans back to play the ramp shot, but misses. 14 runs off this over and Lungi Ngidi finishes his spell with figures of 4-0-35-1. Pakistan need 91 runs to win from 36 balls.

Attempts the wide yorker, outside off, Nawaz bends and squeezes it through backward point for an easy single.

SIX! Now, that is a decent hit! Ngidi errs in length as he serves into the slot, on off. Mohammad Nawaz picks it up by finding the middle of the bat and deposits it straight down the ground for a cracking six. 100 UP FOR PAKISTAN IN 13.4 OVERS!

Nagging length, outside off, Nawaz backs away to play the square cut on the off side, but misses as the ball passes over his angled bat.

FOUR! Not timed well enough, but it races away! Back of a length, on the leg stump line. Mohammad Nawaz gets the ball high on the bat, but he still manages to find the fence with a cross-batted shot down to long on. Two fours in two balls for Nawaz.

EDGED, FOUR! Fuller delivery, around the off pole. Mohammad Nawaz swings for the hills, but manages a thick outside edge. The ball flies over the leaping first slip fielder and races to the fence behind.

Attacks the stumps, on a good length. Shaheen Afridi hangs deep in the crease and bunts it back to the bowler.

Shaheen Afridi is the new batter in.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Wicket number 3 for Linde, and he has massively derailed Pakistan's progress, after being expensive in his first couple of overs. George lands it full and in front of the stumps. Faheem Ashraf tries to be a bit adventurous and switches his stance, attempting to reverse sweep, but gets a thick top edge. The ball flies straight towards backward point, where Lizaad Williams takes a comfortable catch after backtracking. Faheem Ashraf departs on 1 (3) and Pakistan are 89/7.

Flatter ball, on off, Nawaz drives this down to long on for a single.

On a length, on the pads, this is whipped to deep square leg for a single.

Slider down the leg stump line, Faheem Ashraf misses to flick it away. Not given as a Wide according to the new Wide rule.

Faheem Ashraf is the new batter in.

OUT! STUMPED! The Proteas are bossing it up and how! Linde spots Usman stepping down the track and drags the length back, around off. Gets a good bit of grip as the ball spins away, and that totally outfoxes Usman, who tries to work it away. The ball beats the outside edge and is collected by Quinton de Kock, who breaks the stumps in a flash, with Khan not even trying to get back into the crease. Usman Khan departs for a run-a-ball 12, and the slide for Pakistan continues as they are 87/6, needing 108 to win off 47 balls.

Hits the deck hard, on top of off. Usman Khan hops off and guides the ball to deep third for an easy single.

Hard length, on off, arriving at the chest height of the batter. Mohammad Nawaz stands tall and punches it to mid off. Nandre Burger there fumbles to pick it up cleanly and parries the ball to his right. A single taken.

Back of a length, outside off, Nawaz plays and misses.

Mohammad Nawaz walks in next to bat.

OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! It is going from bad to worse for Pakistan now. Ngidi hits the deck hard, keeping the line of attack on the off stump. The ball lands and skids off the track, hurrying Nawaz into the pull shot. He goes across the line for a big-booming shot over mid-wicket, but only manages to connect with a handful of air. The ball stays a bit low, sneaks past the inside edge and smashes into the stumps behind. Hasan Nawaz departs on 3 (4) and Pakistan are 85/5, still needing 110 runs to win off 51 balls.

Ngidi slams the deck hard, onto the pads. Hasan Nawaz gets inside the line and tickles it to deep fine leg. Corbin Bosch from deep square leg runs and slides across to his right to cut it off. The replay also confirms that he has executed a clean job in the end, with no part of his body in contact with the boundary cushions.

Nagging length, on top of middle. Hasan Nawaz bunts it on the pitch off the back foot.

Fuller ball, on middle, Hasan clips it to deep mid-wicket for an easy single.

Hasan Nawaz is in at 6.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Linde strikes and strikes back strongly. Brave bowling, actually. He keeps bowling on the wider line, outside off, on a fuller length, forcing the batter to reach at it. Saim does exactly that by seeing some flight on offer. He tries to loft it inside out over cover, but finds no timing whatsoever, and ends up slicing it off the toe end. A simple catch for Donovan Ferreira stationed at extra cover. Smiles all around the Proteas camp as Ayub was just looking to find his timing right. Saim Ayub departs on 37 (28) and Pakistan are 82/4, needing 113 runs to win off 55 balls.

South Africa have pulled the things back in their favour with their tight bowling.

WIDE! Pushed wide across the batter, on a length. Saim swings and misses. Wide called.

SIX! PUNISHED! Linde darts it short and on top of off. Saim Ayub reads the length in a blink of an eye and pulls it massively over deep square leg for a huge six. He moves to 37 off 27 balls!

Fuller one, on off, sliding into the batter. Usman Khan shimmies down the track and lofts it over mid off for a single.

FOUR! Through the gap! Too full from Linde, around off. Usman Khan gets forward and smashes it through extra cover for a cracking boundary.

Pushed on a fuller length, on off, Usman Khan first backs away to punch, but ends up dabbing it beside the pitch with soft hands.

DRINKS BREAK. At the halfway stage, Pakistan are trying to get a move on as they are 70/3 and need 125 more runs to win. Again, the critical talking point is the percentage of dots consumed by the batters. An interesting graph shown on air a couple of deliveries back clearly indicates their struggles to keep the scorecard moving in this format. Around 40 percent of dots per innings on average since the last three or four years. South Africa have kept it really simple. They have attacked the stumps and have hit the hard lengths, getting that skid off the surface, which has effectively trapped the batters from freeing their arms. Saim Ayub has just started to open up now and needs to go big. Still a doable job, but wickets in hand are most crucial for Pakistan.

BAMBOZZLED! What a delivery! From wide of the crease, Burger bowls it on a hard length that comes in with the angle and then moves away from the batter, around the fourth stump line. Saim gets deceived as he tries to tuck it into the leg side but misses. Gets beaten on the outside edge, and Nandre has a smile on his face.

WIDE AGAIN! A short delivery that goes over the head of the batter. Ayub leaves it. Another wide given.

WIDE! Short of a length and down the leg side, Saim ducks underneath. Called a wide.

On a hard length and around middle, angling in. Usman rises with the bounce and flicks it to deep backward square leg for one.

Leg bye! Back of a length and around leg, Saim hops up and looks to tuck it, but misses. The ball gets deflected towards square leg off his back thigh pad. A leg bye is sneaked.

FOUR! Deliberately played! On a length and well outside off, Saim Ayub gets across, remains deep in his crease and throws his hands at it. Uses the pace of the bowler and gets it sliced to the right of short third for a boundary.

Lands it fuller and around off, does Burger. Usman prods forward and nudges it to deep square leg for one.

On a length and around off, Saim rides the bounce and tucks it towards mid on for a single.

Oh, that was close! Short and around off, Usman taps it beside the strip on the off side and sets off for a single, but Saim Ayub sends him back. The keeper, Quinton de Kock, quickly gets to the ball and fires a throw at the batting end but misses by a long, long way. Khan drags his bat to get inside the crease. Things could have been spicy if there had been a direct hit.

On the shorter side and outside off, Usman goes deep in his crease and cuts it to the left of deep point for a couple of runs.

Quicker and around off, Saim knocks it down to long on for a single.

SIX MORE! Saim is opening up now! Full and around off, Ayub gets down on one knee and clubs it over the deep mid-wicket fence for another biggie.

SIX! PUMPED! Flighted, full and in the slot, around off, Saim Ayub gets down and launches it over long on for a biggie.

Begins with a shorter delivery, around off, Usman Khan presses back and nudges it to deep mid-wicket for one.

George Linde is into the attack now, replacing Lizaad Williams.

BEAUTY! Pace and bounce on this occasion, on a length and outside off, Saim gets cramped as the ball follows him. He tries to cut but gets beaten on the inside edge.

Back of a length and around off, Saim rides the bounce and wrists it to the left of the bowler.

Moving away, on a length and outside off, Khan punches it to deep point for a single to open his account.

BEATEN! On a length and outside off, Usman throws his hands at it to swing but misses.

Keeper-batter, Usman Khan, walks in at number 5 as Pakistan find themselves in dire straits.

OUT! LBW! Corbin Bosch strikes again, and the Pakistani skipper walks back for just 2 (7). Bosch bowls a length delivery from wide of the crease, around off, getting it to angle in from there. Salman Agha shuffles across and tries to pick it up, but gets cramped and misses his shot. Gets beaten on the inside edge and gets rapped on his front pad. There goes a big appeal for LBW from Bosch and the keeper before the umpire raises his finger. However, Agha takes a review, citing that it could have gone over the stumps. There is nothing on the UltraEdge and the Ball Tracking presents three reds with the ball projected to hit the top of the middle stump. The on-field call is upheld. Pakistan burn the review, but more worryingly, slip down to 43/3.

Is that out? A review taken by Salman Agha to challenge the on-field decision of OUT on the LBW appeal. Nothing on UltraEdge, and the Ball Tracking projects the ball to smash into the middle and leg stumps. Three reds and Pakistan lose their skipper.

Slanting in, full and outside off, driven away to mid off by the Pakistani skipper off his front foot.

On a length and outside off, Ayub remains deep in his crease and cuts it but finds the backward point fielder.

Short of a length, angling in, around leg, Salman Agha presses back and tries to hook it but mistimes it off the inside half of the bat. Luckily for him, the ball lands well ahead of deep fine leg and they cross over for a single.

At the hips, on a hard length, tucked away to the right of deep fine leg for a single by Ayub.

SIX! TONKED! Finally, Saim has been able to hit the ball like he wanted! On a back of a length and around off, Saim Ayub presses back, gets on top of the bounce, and thrashes it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

BEATEN! Full and angling away, outside off, Saim tries to drive it on the up but gets beaten on the outside edge. Clearly, he is struggling.

Lands it full and outside off, does Lizaad. Salman drives it towards cover where the fielder fumbles and concedes a single.

Excellent Powerplay for South Africa as they have completely choked the run flow. The first three overs went for 26 runs, and the last 3 overs have gone for just 8 runs, with two big wickets falling. Pakistan's 34/2 meets South Africa's 74/1 after the end of 6 overs. They need 161 runs to win in 14 overs. Lizaad Williams to continue. Went for 3 runs off his first over.

Leg bye! Big shout for LBW but the umpire shakes his head. Full but angling down leg, Salman tries to flick it but misses. The ball gets deflected towards square leg off his front pad and they sneak a leg bye.

Another hitting the deck hard delivery, around off, Agha uses his feet and dabs it down to cover. He wants to take a single but is sent back. The fielder picks it up to his left and scores a direct hit at the batting end. The third umpire is called in and it is NOT OUT as Salman has dragged his bat inside the crease in time.

That has cut the batter in half! On a hard length, and a bit outside off, jagging back in. Salman tries to push at it but the ball stays a bit low and goes under his bat.

Pakistani skipper, Salman Agha, walks in at number 4.

OUT! TAKEN! Babar Azam's comeback doesn't last long. It was a nothing shot, actually, and he pays the price. On a back of a length and over the top of the off stump with some extra bounce. Babar opens up as he backs away and tries to loft it over covers. But due to extra bounce, he gets into an awkward position and mistimes his shot towards extra cover. Reeza Hendricks makes no mistake there, who pouches it comfortably. Babar Azam departs without troubling the scorers on a two-ball duck. Pakistan are 33/2 down now.

Hard length and outside off, Saim rises with the bounce and cuts it to the left of deep backward point for a single. He is looking in extreme pressure.

Back of a length, outside off, moving away. Saim Ayub presses back and goes deep in his crease. He looks to flash at first, but then leaves it, seeing the ball moving away.

Hits the deck hard, does Williams, on the off stump line. Babar Azam punches it off the back foot to cover-point. Looks for a single to get off the mark, but is sent back by Ayub on a sharp call. Excellent over from Lizaad Williams. Concedes just 3 runs, with an important wicket.

WIDE! Sprayed down the leg side, on a good length. Babar misses to flick. Wide called.

Babar Azam walks in at 3.

OUT! BOWLED! Lizaad Williams provides the first breakthrough for South Africa. The pressure of the dot balls played by Saim clearly showed on Farhan as he tried to keep the tempo up. Lizaad bowls it on a fractionally fuller length, slanting the ball into the batter, with a bit of skid off the deck as well. Sahibzada Farhan exposes all the stumps by backing away and tries to smash it over cover-point, but misses to connect and the ball makes an absolute mess of the stumps behind. Sahibzada Farhan departs on 24 (19) and Pakistan are 31/1, needing 164 runs to win.

Hard length, around off, Saim Ayub crunches it through point for a single.

Another swing and a miss for Ayub! On a length, just outside off, staying low on the bounce. Saim Ayub shapes to pull it across the line, but misses to connect. Pressure mounting on Ayub as he is just 4 off 10 balls.

Back of a length, angling into the batter. Farhan tucks off the back foot to the mid-wicket region for a single.

Nice shot, but yields no run for Farhan! Fuller, around off, Sahibzada Farhan plays with a full face of the bat and drives it to pierce the cover and mid off gap, but the fielder from mid off runs and dives to his left to cut it off.

Length ball, angling in from off. Saim Ayub mistimes the pull shot off the inner half of the bat, but clears mid-wicket. Dewald Brevis sprints full tilt from the inner ring and manages to flick the ball inside the playing area, before sliding into the ropes with the momentum. Saves two for his side.

Back of a length, just outside off. Saim Ayub hangs back and attempts the cut, but gets beaten.

Swing and a miss! Scratchy, still very scratchy, is Saim! Full, outside off, slanting away further. Saim Ayub does not properly get his weight transferred on the front foot and tries to smash it over mid off, but misses to connect.

BEAUTY! Ayub had absolutely no idea about that one. Length ball, angling across the batter, nipping away late. Saim Ayub stays stationary in the crease and looks to flick across the line, but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Fuller delivery, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan drives off the toe end, between mid off and extra cover for a single.

Back of a length, outside off, dabbed off the back foot to backward point.

Nandre slams the deck really hard, on middle and leg, angling in. Saim Ayub hops off and nudges it to mid-wicket. Just 7 from this over.

Fuller ball, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan drives in front of mid off and steals a quick single. Good coordination between the two so far.

On a hard length, around off, punched square on the off side for a single by Saim.

Good length, on the stumps, heaved across to deep square leg for a single.

An appeal for LBW, but not given. Only Burger looked interested in that one. Back of a length, skidding through from the leg stump line. Sahibzada Farhan is pinned in the crease and tries to block by dragging his bat forward. The ball beats the inside edge and thuds on the front thigh pad. Probably going over the stumps as the batter hopped to negotiate that delivery.

FOUR! Belligerent! Short of a good length, on off. Sahibzada Farhan waits for it to arrive and smashes it up and over mid off for another boundary. Moves on to 20 off just 11, does Farhan.

Fuller on the stumps, driven off the front foot to wide mid on for a single.

EDGED, FOUR! Not exactly where he intended to hit, but he will take it. Back of a length, outside off, nipping away late. Sahibzada Farhan stands tall and swings with all his might to go downtown, but the ball flies off the top edge and goes over short third for a boundary.

BEATEN! Pace on, skidding off the deck, on a good length, outside off. Farhan has a waft at it, but plays inside the line and is beaten on the outside edge.

FOUR! And again! Pitched into the slot, full in length. Sahibzada Farhan lofts it over mid on for a boundary. Two in a row for Farhan.

FOUR! Up and over! Fuller ball, on the stumps. Sahibzada Farhan picks it up and clears mid on for a boundary.

Back of a length, around off, punched off the back foot to the point fielder.

Lungi Ngidi will bowl from the other end.

Oh, some spicy bounce on that one! Shapes away from a back of a length, outside off, Saim Ayub tries the back foot punch to the off side, but gets beaten by the pace and bounce. Phew! What a breathless opening over.

Good length, on the stumps, Sahibzada Farhan dabs it to the point region for a single.

IN THE AIR AND DROPPED! Matthew Breetzke shells a huge chance in the deep! On a good length, outside off, Saim leans back and cuts it uppishly over point. Matthew Breetzke from deep backward point gets across to his left and crouches low to take it with both hands, but ends up putting it down. Seemingly, the ball dipped in front of him, but that should have been taken by all standards. A single taken. A huge life for Saim Ayub, who gets off the mark.

Misses out on the Free Hit! Back of a length, outside off, Saim Ayub shapes to play the pull shot but misses as the ball bounces off the track.

Uh, oh! Nandre Burger has overstepped! Back of a length, nipping in from off, Sahibzada Farhan misses to connect and the ball goes off the thigh pad and rolls to the point region. No Ball called. Free Hit to follow...

Nagging length, on top of off, Sahibzada Farhan bunts it down the pitch off the back foot.

Pakistan and Farhan are up and running! Short of a length from Burger, on off. Sahibzada Farhan hops off in the crease and crisply punches it to deep point for a couple of runs, as there is protection in the deep in the form of Tony de Zorzi, who cuts it off.

OUT! LIZAAD WILLIAMS IS RUN OUT! Another yorker executed on point by Shaheen, on off. Nandre Burger shovels it back to the bowler. Shaheen Afridi sticks out his right hand to stop it on the follow-through, but the ball deflects away near the strip on the off side. Nandre Burger is a bit hesitant at first to cross, but seeing the ball getting parried by the bowler, both rush to complete the single, but Lizaad, too, is a bit slow to respond. Skates to reach the batting end. Despite Shaheen's throw being a bit wayward at that end, Usman Khan does well to run forward and breaks the stumps by diving, with Lizaad out by a country mile. SOUTH AFRICA END WITH 194/9 ON THE BOARD!

Excellently executed! An attempted yorker, tailing just a bit in from outside off. Nandre Burger swings across the line and misses. That almost, almost grazed the off pole on the way to the keeper.

Nandre Burger comes out to bat next.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Slower one into the pitch. Short and around the off stump. Corbin Bosch stands tall to flat-bat it over long on, but gets through his shot a bit early, probably missing to read the pace off the delivery. He ends up winding it straight down the throat of Faheem Ashraf, stationed at long on. A simple catch for him.

Pinpoint yorker, angling on the leg stump line. Lizaad Williams digs it out to the square leg region for a single.

Angles it in, full in length, Corbin Bosch flicks it through wide mid on for a single.

FOUR! NICE SHOT! Full and outside off, with pace taken off. Corbin Bosch prods forward and drives it to beat the diving cover fielder to his left. The deep cover gets across to his right and even puts in a dive but fails to stop the ball from going over the ropes.

Short of a good length, on the stumps. Lizaad pulls it behind square on the leg side and they rush back for a couple of runs. The throw is flat and towards the keeper. Usman Khan collects it at waist height and whips the bails off, but a timely dive from Lizaad saves him.

Lizaad Williams walks in next to bat.

OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! You miss, I hit, says Naseem. After bowling a couple of cutters, Naseem goes pace on this time around. Lands it full and around the middle and the leg stump. George Linde clears the front foot and attempts to whip it over the leg side, but misses. The ball sneaks through the gap between bat and pad and smashes into the stumps behind. George Linde departs after a crucial knock of 36 (22) and South Africa are 186/7.

Smartly bowled! Back of a length, with pace taken off, around the off stump line. George Linde attempts the ramp shot, but misses to lay bat on the ball.

Takes the pace off on this occasion. On a length, outside off. George Linde shapes to pull, but misses.

Length ball, angling across off. George Linde stands tall, plays a cross-batted shot off the inner half of the bat. The ball rolls down the ground through mid off. Babar Azam from long on runs across and dives to his right to cut it off. Saves two for his side.

Slower ball, outside off, Corbin Bosch throws his bat at it and punches it to deep point for a single.

Tossed up, full and outside off, Linde carves it away to deep extra cover for a couple of more runs. An expensive spell from Abrar Ahmed comes to an end. He finishes with figures of 4-0-42-1.

A tad fuller and around off, George Linde bunts it off the back foot though cover for a couple of runs.

Fullish, and around off, worked away to long off for a single.

Corbin Bosch walks in at 8.

OUT! BOWLED! Abrar registers his first wicket, and from Pakistan's point of view, this is a massive one in order to restrict them as low as they can. Abrar fires one in on a length, in front of the stumps. It lands and skids low to beat Reeza's attempted pull shot. The ball sneaks under the edge and rattles the timber behind. A fine innings from Reeza Hendricks comes to an end as he departs for 60 off 40 balls. South Africa are 178/6.

Shortish, outside off, Linde slashes off the back foot to deep point for one.

WIDE! Flat, but wide outside the tramline on the off side. Left alone by Linde. Wided.

SIX! PUNISHED! Into the slot, full and on middle and leg. George Linde gets down on a knee and whips it cleanly over deep backward square leg for a six.

Wide on off, full, Linde carves it to deep backward point for a single. 18 runs off this over. 3-0-39-0 so far for Shaheen Afridi.

DROPPED, FOUR! Babar Azam is the guilty party in the deep! Full from Shaheen, on off, nipping in a touch as well. George Linde clears the front foot and tries to clear long on, but the ball goes off the inner half of the bat towards long on. Babar Azam moves a bit to his right from long on. He slides to catch it, even gets it into his hands, but the ball pops in and out and making matters worse, it rolls to the fence for a boundary.

BEATEN! Much better! Skids through the deck, on a good length, just outside off. George Linde barely moves his feet and plays away from the body, and tries to slash away, but gets beaten on the outside edge by a kitten-whisker.

FOUR! Hattrick of boundaries for Linde! Back of a length, outside off. George Linde weighs on the back foot and cuts it over backward point for a cracking boundary. 13 off this over already, three balls to go.

FOUR! Nothing streaky about this one, as this has been plundered! Full from Shaheen, on off, George Linde prods forward and smacks it over extra cover for a boundary.

EDGED, FOUR! Keeps it wide outside off, on a fuller length, does Afridi. George Linde bends and throws the bat at it, but only manages a top edge, and the ball flies over short third for a boundary.

WIDE! Afridi bowls it way outside off upon his return to the attack, beyond the tramline. Left alone. Wide called.

Touch full, sliding on the middle and leg stump line. George Linde rocks back and punches it to the left of the diving Abrar Ahmed for a single as the ball rolls down to long on. 7 runs off this over. 3-0-29-0 so far for Abrar Ahmed.

WIDE! Pushed across the batter and down leg, Linde tries to help it away fine on the leg side, but misses.

WIDE! Miles outside off, on a length, left alone. 150 UP FOR SOUTH AFRICA!

Short and outside off, George Linde punches it wide of deep point for a couple of runs.

Pushed wide outside off, on a length, slowing it through the air. George Linde tries to cut off the back foot, but chops off the inside edge to the point region.

Short and around middle, Reeza knocks it down to the right of long on for a single.

Quicker, full and outside off, Linde throws his hands at it and drives it to deep point for a single.

BEATEN! A googly, full and outside off, George Linde prods forward and tries to flick it but fails to pick the ball. Gets beaten on the outside edge.

Excellent middle phase from Pakistan's perspective. They went all over the park in the Powerplay, conceding 74/1 in the first six overs. But, the spinners, especially Mohammad Nawaz and Saim Ayub, have choked the runs massively as the 9-15 over phase, South Africa have only added 71 runs, by losing 4 important wickets in this phase. 200 still on? All depends on Reeza Hendricks. Also, Abrar Ahmed comes back into the attack.

Full and outside off, Reeza Hendricks prods forward and drives it to the left of long off. Two runs taken before the long off fielder could mop it up to that side and throw it to the keeper.

A bit shorter and quicker, around off, Linde goes back and chops it down to the left of short third for a quick single.

Flatter, full and outside off, Linde lunges and drives it to cover.

Lands it full and around off, does Saim. Reeza drives it to beat the diving Saim Ayub to his left for a single.

Angling in, full and on the pads, Linde prods forward and knocks it down to long on for a single to get off the mark.

Quicker and shorter, outside off, punched down through covers for a single.

What a sensational spell that was from Mohammad Nawaz! 4 overs, 26 runs conceded and 3 big wickets taken. It was him, actually, who produced a breakthrough by dismissing Tony de Zorzi when the Proteas were running away like a bullet train, and he hasn't looked back since on a pitch where the bowlers often get roasted in T20Is. George Linde is in at number 7.

OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! Mohammad Nawaz has tilted the game in favour of Pakistan as he strikes for the third time and finishes his spell. Bowls it relatively full and around off, getting it to drift in with that around-the-wicket angle. Donovan Ferreira presses back and plays this touch fuller delivery off his back foot. Fails to pull it and the ball skids through and smashes into the middle stump. The length wasn't that short to execute that shot. Donovan Ferreira departs on 10 (12) and South Africa are 139/5.

Flatter, full and around middle, Reeza just manages to drag it to deep square leg for a single on the freebie.

Quicker, full and outside off, Donovan Ferreira tries to smash but misses. The keeper fails to gather it behind the wickets and the ball gets deflected towards short fine off his right pad. The batters run and the umpire has given it off the bat. So, there was an inside edge. Uh... oh! Mohammad Nawaz has overstepped as well. A NO BALL is called and a Free Hit is next up...

Sliding in, full and around leg, swept away to short fine leg off the front foot.

FOUR! NICELY PLACED! Short and outside off, Donovan Ferreira goes back, uses the depth of the crease and cuts it to beat the diving backward point fielder to his right for a boundary.

On the shorter side, around off, Reeza Hendricks goes back and plays it a bit aerially but in the gap towards long on for a single.

Angling in, full and around middle, Donovan flicks it to wide long on for a single.

WIDE! Full but wide outside off, Donovan leaves it. Called a wide.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR REEZA HENDRICKS! His 18th T20I half century, and 3rd against Pakistan. Full and on the leg stump, Reeza Hendricks gets down, picks it up and sweeps it aerially towards deep backward square leg for a boundary to bring up his milestone. It has been an impressive innings so far,  despite wickets falling regularly at the other end. But he knows the value of his wicket and will aim to bat till the end to get South Africa to a big total.

Flatter, full and outside off, Donovan Ferreira drills it to long off for a single.

WIDE! Fires in full but wide outside off, does Saim. Donovan Ferreira throws his hands at it but misses. A wide given.

Sliding in, full and around middle, Reeza Hendricks gets down and sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Sliding in, full and on the pads, knocked down to long on for a single by the Proteas' skipper.

WIDE! Quicker, full but wide outside off, Donovan leaves it. Called a wide.

Again, on the shorter side and outside off, dropped down to cover off the back foot by Donovan.

Drops it shorter and outside off, does Saim. Reeza Hendricks punches it through covers for one.

Nice rotation of spinners from Salman Agha. Just 30 runs in the last 5 overs. South Africa really need a move on here, by also ensuring that they don't lose many wickets from this position. One of these two will have to bat till the end for the Proteas to cross the 200-run mark.

Varies the pace, full and around off, does Nawaz. Donovan Ferreira prods forward and pushes it to cover.

Keeps it shorter and bowls it outside off, does Nawaz. Reeza Hendricks hangs back and punches it through the gap at covers for a single.

Touch shorter, around middle, Donovan presses back and knocks it down to long on for a single more.

Tosses up, full and around off, does Nawaz. Donovan Ferreira prods forward and pushes it to the left of cover.

Sliding in, full and around off, drilled down to long off for a single by Reeza.

Flatter, full and down leg, Reeza gets down to sweep but misses. Gets hit on his front pad and the ball rolls away towards cover point. There is an appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes his head.

Dragged length and outside off, chopped down to the right of backward point for a single by Reeza.

Slower through the air, full and around middle, Reeza Hendricks prods forward and nudges it with soft hands in the gap between long on and deep mid-wicket. Calls his partner and sneaks two runs quickly.

Sliding in, full and around middle, flicked away to deep mid-wicket for a single by Donovan Ferreira to get off the mark.

The South African skipper, Donovan Ferreira, is in at number 6.

OUT! TAKEN! Saim Ayub returns and strikes big, once again! A short delivery, around middle, skidding off the deck. Matthew Breetzke presses back, swivels on his toes and looks to pull it over the deep backward square leg fence. But as the ball skidded, he failed to execute his shot. He ends up playing it straight to the fielder stationed there in the deep. Mohammad Nawaz doesn't have to move a muscle. He makes no mistake and pouches it safely. Matthew Breetzke departs on 1 (4). From 93/1, South Africa have slipped down to 112/4.

BEATEN! Flighted, full and outside off, a carrom ball which spins away with some extra bounce. Matthew Breetzke tries to drive off his front foot but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Short and around middle, Reeza Hendricks crouches and pulls it hard towards deep square leg. Mohammad Nawaz moves across to his right and slides to make a good stop. A single taken.

Good little phase for Pakistan as the spinners have managed to put on a squeeze. 22 runs in the last 3 overs, but the Proteas have lost a couple of big wickets as well. Change. Saim Ayub returns.

Touch full and outside off, Matthew Breetzke taps it with soft hands to cover-point. 7 runs and a wicket off this over. At halfway, South Africa are 111/3.

Drifting into the batter, on a length. Reeza Hendricks hangs deep in the crease and tries to block with a straight bat, but the ball goes off the inner half of the bat, and rolls to the vacant mid-wicket region. Nawaz himself chases the ball and the batters pinch in a single.

And he is off the mark! Fuller ball, around off, Matthew Breetzke gets on the front foot and drives it to long off for a single.

DRINKS! Though South Africa have lost their three key top order wickets, they have 109 runs on the board before the halfway mark in the first inning after being sent into bat first. The intent has been there right from the start with the openers bashing the ball from the first over, and it looks like they have a plan to post a total well in excess of 220. But for now, they need a big partnership before they can go bang-bang again in the death overs. Meanwhile, Pakistan have managed not to let the game slip away from them completely on this flat deck by chipping in timely wickets. They would want to restrict the Proteas to under 200. Let's see how the next phase pans out. Also, Matthew Breetzke walks in next to bat.

OUT! BOWLED! Excellent comeback from Nawaz, and he gets his second wicket. Nawaz offers a bit of flight on this one and lands it full, in front of the middle and off stump. Dewald Brevis goes through the slog sweep very early and misses to connect. The ball dips and beats the bat and passes below the inside edge to smash into the stumps behind. A left-armer's delight. Dewald Brevis departs on 9 (5) and South Africa are 109/3.

A slider, fired on the leg stump. Reeza Hendricks lunges forward and clips it to deep backward square leg for an easy single.

FOUR! Poor delivery and gets the treatment! Short and on off, asking to be hit. Reeza rocks back and has ample time to pull it between deep mid-wicket and long on for a boundary.

SIX! THAT. IS. MASSIVE! Abrar pitches it outside off, on a fuller length. Dewald Brevis gets down on his knee, fetches the ball from outside off, and slogs it powerfully over deep mid-wicket for a massive six. Somewhat spoils the over for Abrar. 9 runs off it. 100 UP FOR SOUTH AFRICA!

Flat on the stumps, Reeza Hendricks leans on and drives it through mid on for an easy single.

Around off, on a length, punched off the back foot to the off side with soft hands.

Pulls the length back, does Abrar. On off and on a length. Dewald Brevis hangs back and pulls it off the toe end of the bat. Manages to clear mid-wicket, and the ball is cut off by Shaheen Afridi, who runs to his right from long on. A single taken.

Pushed through, full and on middle. Reeza Hendricks plays with the spin, working it off the front foot to wide long on for a single.

Tosses it up, full and on off, Reeza Hendricks gets low on his knee to slog it over mid-wicket, but inside edges and the ball deflects off the pads and rolls to the leg side.

Brevis is off the mark as he punches this length ball to deep extra cover for a couple of runs.

Stump-to-stump, full, Brevis leans forward and pushes it back to Nawaz.

Dewald Brevis walks in at 4.

OUT! STUMPED! Clever bowling from Mohammad Nawaz as he breaks the 49-run partnership. Nawaz spots de Zorzi stepping out of the crease to smash it through the off side, and he cleverly bowls it flat and on a lower trajectory, well outside the tramline on the off side though. Tony de Zorzi is forced to reach for the ball to carve it out, but misses, and Usman Khan has ample time to collect the ball and whip the bails off. Tony tries to get back in, but the stumps are broken in a flash. Tony de Zorzi departs after a whirlwind 33 (16) on his T20I debut. South Africa are 93/2. Also, it is called a wide.

In front of the sticks, on a length, Reeza Hendricks punches off the back foot to long on for a single.

Full ball, swept over square leg for a single.

Short and wide of off, Tony de Zorzi cuts it off the back foot to pierce the point gap, but Babar Azam moves to his left and cuts it off. Tony is keen to pinch in a single, but is sent back by Hendricks on a sharp call. He does retreat back safely as Babar is a bit slow to release the throw to the keeper.

Starts off with a length ball, around off, Reeza Hendricks hangs deep and cuts it to deep point for a single.

Change. Mohammad Nawaz is in the attack now.

Quicker one, drifting on the pads, full in length. Tony de Zorzi steps out and tries to flick but inside edges onto the front pad.

Excellent commitment in the deep by Saim Ayub, saving one run for his side. Short of a good length, outside off, Reeza Hendricks plays with a cross-batted angle and smashes it flat, over extra cover. Saim Ayub from deep point runs across to his right and dives to flick the ball inside the playing area. He does the job cleanly, and the replays confirm the same. Three taken.

Full, around off, driven away to long off for a single.

SIX! INTO THE ORBIT! Off spinner, full and on middle. Tony de Zorzi shimmies down the track and sails it downtown for a mammoth six.

Tosses it up, full and around off, Reeza Hendricks works it to the short third region, where Naseem Shah cuts it off to his left. A single taken.

EDGED, FOUR! Salman can only smile. Flat and full, outside off, Hendricks tries to smash it through cover, but gets a thick outside edge and the ball races away to the deep third fence for a boundary.

Powerplay is done! South Africa have got a fiery start as they have added 74 runs at a loss of just one wicket, and the pitch looks like a flat cake where batters are enjoying. And now, the skipper, Salman Agha, brings himself into the attack.

FOUR! Belted away! Nassem has been all over the place so far. On a good length, angling across the batter. Tony de Zorzi plays it on the rise and smashes it through the cover and mid off gap for a cracking boundary. A very productive Powerplay for the Proteas as they are 74/1.

Shortish length, outside off, Tony glides it to the deep third region. Saim Ayub from deep backward point cuts it off with a slide to his right. Two taken.

FOUR! Easy peasy! Too straight from Naseem, short and on the leg stump. Tony de Zorzi tries to pull, but gloves it very fine to the leg side for a boundary.

FOUR! Helped away! Pitched short and on the leg stump line. Tony de Zorzi weighs back and pulls it over short fine leg for a boundary. The Proteas are off to a real flier in Pindi.

Short from Shah, on middle and leg. Reeza creates room by backing away and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Off cutter, full and around off, de Zorzi pushes it between extra cover and mid off for a quick single.

Naseem Shah is back on. Went for 13 off his first over.

FOUR! PUNISHED! A halt-tracker, very short and around middle, Reeza Hendricks presses back in a flash, opens his stance and pulls it brutally towards the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

Darts in, full and on the pads, flicked away to deep square leg for a single.

FOUR! GOOD SHOT! Flatter, full and around off, Tony de Zorzi uses his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and launches it over mid off for another boundary.

FOUR! It will ease the nervousness of the debutant! Full and around off, Tony de Zorzi gets down on one knee and sweeps it a bit aerially but in the gap towards deep backward square leg for a boundary.

Sliding in, full and around leg, nudged away to mid-wicket off the front foot.

That kept really low, full and around middle, Tony adjusts well on his back foot and manages to flick it to mid-wicket.

Spin in tandem now. Here's Abrar Ahmed into the attack, replacing Shaheen Afridi.

Quicker, full and around off, Tony lunges and drives it to long off for a single to get off the mark.

Tony de Zorzi walks in at number 3 for the Proteas.

OUT! TAKEN! Saim Ayub becomes the rescuer for Pakistan amidst fireworks and provides the first breakthrough. He bowls a flatter delivery from around the wicket, keeps the length full and around off, getting it to drift away off the deck. Quinton de Kock takes a step forward and tries to go over covers. But at the moment of the contact, the bat gets twisted, and he ends up getting it sliced off the toe end of the bat to backward point, where Faheem Ashraf gathers it around his chest. Quinton de Kock's breezy and entertaining 23 (13) comes to an end. South Africa are 44/1.

FOUR MORE! EXCELLENT HIT! Full and around off, Quinton de Kock uses his feet and lofts it over mid on for another boundary.

Flatter, full and around off, de Kock uses his feet and keeps it out to cover.

FOUR! BULLET! Full and outside off, Quinton de Kock pounces on the width which is offered and crashes it through the minute gap between backward point and cover point for a boundary.

Begins with a short delivery, around off, Reeza Hendricks presses back and punches it to beat the diving Saim Ayub to his left for a single.

Three overs into the game, and it is already looking like a belter of a wicket for batting. And here's the first bowling change. Spin introduced. Saim Ayub replaces Naseem Shah.

Change of pace, on a hard length and around off, de Kock swivels and tries to pull but gets deceived by the lack of pace. Misses his shot and gets hit around his belly.

FOUR! CRUNCHED! Back of a length and outside off, offers width, does Shaheen. Quinton de Kock stays on his back foot and slaps it just inches above the backward point fielder for another boundary.

FOUR! Nicely played! Full and around middle, angling in. Quinton de Kock prods forward a bit and flicks it over the mid-wicket fielder. Three fielders (mid-wicket, deep square leg, and mid on) try to converge and chase after the ball but it goes over the ropes.

Pace off, back of a length and around middle, Reeza is almost early in his shot but adjusts well to drag it to the left of short fine. A single taken.

FOUR! THRASHED! Hard length and outside off, Reeza Hendricks reads the length early, goes back and lofts it over the cover-point fielder for a one-bounce boundary.

WIDE! Back-of-the-hand slower delivery, on a length but ends up sliding down the leg side, does Shaheen. Reeza tries to tickle it but misses. Called a wide.

Hurls it on the fuller length, around off, does Shaheen and seems it to be a slower delivery. Quinton pushes it to the left of mid off and sneaks a quick single.

SIX! PUMPED! Back of a length and around middle, angling in. That sits up nicely for the batter as Reeza Hendricks presses back and picks it up. Swings with a cross-batted angle, and gets it deposited behind the deep backward square leg fence for a biggie.

On a back of a length and outside off, de Kock taps it to the left of extra cover for a quick single.

FOUR! SHOT! On a length and around middle, skidding through. Quinton de Kock plants his front leg forward and goes a bit across before using wrists to flick it a bit aerially but in the gap to the right of short fine leg for a boundary.

Lands it fuller and around middle, does Shah. Reeza flicks it to the left of mid-wicket for a single.

BEAUTIFUL DELIVERY! From wide of the crease, Naseem bowls a relatively fuller ball, that comes in with the angle but then shapes away after pitching, just outside off. Reeza gets squared up as he tries to defend it but gets beaten on the outside edge due to away movement.

Leg bye! Hard length and around leg, nipping back in. Quinton de Kock tries to tuck it but misses. The ball gets deflected towards cover point off his front pad and they sneak a leg bye.

WIDE! From over the wicket, on a back of a length but wide outside off. The ball moves further away with that angle. QDK tries to cut it off his back foot but misses. Called a wide.

Naseem Shah, playing his first T20I since November 2024, to operate from the far end.

BEATEN! In-between length and outside off, shaping away from that over-the-wicket angle. Reeza Hendricks throws his hands at it but his feet don't go anywhere. Gets beaten on the outside edge.

Pitches up, full and around middle, does Shaheen. Reeza Hendricks prods forward and uses his wrists to flick it to the left of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Dragged back length and around middle, with some extra bounce. Reeza hops up and drops it down to the right of mid-wicket.

Angling down, on relatively fuller side and around leg, QDK nudges it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Oh, that has jagged back in sharply. On a back of a length and around off. Quinton de Kock hops up as the ball follows him. He tries to fend it away, but the ball hits him high on his back thigh pad before rolling down towards first slip.

Starts off with a hard-length delivery, moving away from the batter, well outside off. Reeza Hendricks rises with the bounce and punches it to beat the diving cover fielder to his right. Three runs taken before the mid off fielder could mop it up.

Done with all the pre-match formalities and it is time for the first T20I to get underway, here in Pindi. It is a working day, but still, a very active crowd, and it is almost a full house. The two umpires have made their way to the middle. The players of Pakistan scatter out of the huddle to take their respective fielding positions. Reeza Hendricks and Quinton de Kock walk out to open for South Africa. Shaheen Afridi has the new ball and is pumped up to bowl the first over. Hendricks to face. A slip in place. 'Let's Play' says the umpire and here we go...

Just a few minutes away from the first ball, but before that, the two sets of players have lined up for their respective national anthems. It will be South Africa's first, followed by Pakistan's.

Pakistan's keeper-batter, Usman Khan, is up for a quick chat with the broadcasters. He begins by saying that he feels lucky and privileged to be back in the side after a long time. Admits that he couldn't perform well before but expects to do better this time around. Shares that he has played most of his cricket in Karachi and the UAE and has a good experience of playing against spin. On the conditions, he mentions that in Rawalpindi, the wicket is usually good, but details that this time, it is a bit different, and stresses about reading the wicket and playing accordingly. Shares that the coach has told him to be relaxed and enjoy the cricket, without taking much pressure, and perform to the best of his abilities.

PITCH REPORT - Urooj Mumtaz is pitchside. She first informs that the last T20I at this venue was played back in April 2024. Also adds that the average first inning score in the last season of PSL was 212 at this venue. Takes a closer look at the pitch and observes that it is hard and dry, with a bit of sheen on it. She expects the ball to bounce for the seamers if they bowl on tight lines and lengths. Says that the margin of error is very little. About the boundary dimensions, she informs that the square boundaries are equidistant 75 meters.

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (C), Usman Khan (WK), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Quinton de Kock (WK), Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi (On T20I Debut), Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira (C), George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Lizaad Williams, Nandre Burger, and Lungi Ngidi.

The skipper of South Africa, Donovan Ferreira, says that they were actually looking to bowl first, but now that they’re batting, the goal is to put up a strong total and defend it well later on. Mentions that it’s a special feeling to lead the Proteas, calling it a prestigious and exciting responsibility, and he just wants to lead by example from No. 6 with the bat. Ferreira talks about how energetic and fearless this group is, filled with young and explosive talents. Says that having Quinton de Kock back gives the team a lot of confidence, not just for his experience and wicketkeeping, but for the stability he brings at the top. Informs that Tony de Zorzi is making his T20I debut, calling it a big moment for the youngster. Adds that the team’s focus is to play an attacking and expressive brand of cricket. Signs off with a confident smile, saying they’re ready to go hard and enjoy their cricket.

The captain of Pakistan, Salman Agha, says that in Rawalpindi, you never really know what the score will be, but says that they will try to restrict South Africa as low as they can. Shares that there are a few new faces in the side and a few comebacks as well, and expresses his excitement. About Babar Azam and Naseem Shah's inclusion, which is met by a huge roar from the crowd, Salman says that both of them have been genuine match winners for Pakistan over the years and is excited to see them perform. Agha informs that they have a couple of all-rounders, along with two pacers and Abrar Ahmed as their spin option.

Also, for this match, the Pakistan cricket team will be wearing a pink jersey as part of a Breast Cancer Awareness initiative. This special attire is meant to help spread awareness and encourage early detection and treatment for the disease. The South African players and match officials will also show their support by wearing pink ribbons throughout the game.

TOSS - Both skippers have walked out in the middle for the toss. The conditions look good with the stands getting filled with spectators. Here it is - Salman Agha flips the coin and Donovan Ferreira calls 'Heads'. It lands 'Tails' and Pakistan win the toss. They have elected to FIELD first.

So, the stage is set, the stars are ready, and the story begins! Will Pakistan rise again under their returning king, or will South Africa’s fearless youth rewrite the script? Grab your popcorn, folks, because whatever happens tonight, one thing’s for sure - it’s going to be loud, lively, and absolutely lit. Strap in, as the toss and team lineups will be announced shortly!

And what about the stage itself? The Rawalpindi pitch has a mind of its own! It’s known to favour chasing sides under lights, but with clear skies and a fast outfield, batters will fancy their chances early. Spinners might come into play in the middle overs, especially Abrar and Linde, both capable of changing the game in a blink. And how’s this for a battle? Babar vs Ngidi up top, Shaheen vs Quinton de Kock with the new ball, and Brevis vs Abrar in the middle - fireworks, anyone?

South Africa, meanwhile, come armed with intent and a few hidden weapons. Ngidi’s return adds muscle to the pace unit, while Baartman and Burger can extract life out of any surface. Lhuan-dre Pretorius, the teenage sensation, and Dewald Brevis bring that new-gen aggression the Proteas fans love to see. But their challenge? No Miller magic in the middle order and an untested captaincy setup. Can their youth shine brighter than Pakistan’s experience? We’ll find out.

Pakistan’s biggest strength lies in their bowling, and let’s be honest, it looks deadly. Shaheen Afridi with the new ball, Naseem Shah with his pace and control, and Abrar Ahmed spinning webs in the middle overs - this trio can give nightmares to any batting lineup. Add Faheem Ashraf's all-around value and Salman Agha's smart rotation, and you’ve got a side that can defend. However, the weakness remains in the middle order - can they finally step up when the top collapses? That’s the big question!

For South Africa, though, the talk of the town is all about change! No Aiden Markram, no David Miller, no Rabada, yet the show goes on... Donovan Ferreira, the hard-hitting all-rounder, takes charge, bringing his fearless approach to captaincy. Dewald Brevis, the Baby AB, will be itching to light up the Pindi skies, while Quinton de Kock is back with his typical swagger after a short break. But the big question, without their senior guns, can this new-look Proteas outfit deliver under pressure? Or will inexperience cost them the edge?

Pakistan come into this series with a few bruises from the Asia Cup final defeat to India, but with Babar Azam back in the fold, there’s a renewed sense of calm and class in the top order. The former skipper, one of the most elegant T20 batters in the world, returns with something to prove, and maybe, a record to snatch too. Salman Agha continues to lead, with a young and fearless squad that blends experience and spark. The question is - can they turn all that talent into consistency this time around?

And miles to go before they sleep… and tonight, two teams with burning ambitions begin their journey again. Pakistan and South Africa - two nations that never fail to add spice, thrill, and a hint of drama to the cricketing stage - are all set to clash in the opening T20I at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The air is electric, the stands are buzzing, and the stakes? Oh, they’re sky-high! On that note, hello and welcome, everyone, to what promises to be a cracking start to this short yet fiery three-match T20I series between the Men in Green and the Proteas.

... MATCH DAY ...

There’s a buzz in Rawalpindi as two fired-up sides return to the shortest format with a point to prove. Pakistan are coming back to T20Is after a heartbreaking loss to India in the Asia Cup final, while South Africa suffered a surprising defeat in a historic T20I against Namibia. Pakistan have recalled their star duo Babar Azam and Naseem Shah, both returning after being out of the side for some time, adding much-needed experience and spark to the squad, while opener Fakhar Zaman misses out after a string of inconsistent outings. On the other hand, South Africa arrive with their tails up after a spirited win in the second Test that helped them level the series 1-1 - a result that has injected belief and momentum into the Proteas camp. Pakistan will look to make the most of home conditions, banking on Babar’s class at the top and the pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf to rattle the visitors. South Africa, led by Donovan Ferreira in the absence of Aiden Makam, will take confidence from their adaptable attack with the likes of Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, and the spin pair of George Linde and Nqabayomzi Peter capable of troubling Pakistan’s middle order. Young guns Dewald Brevis and Matthew Breetzke will be the ones to watch with the bat, both in fine touch and eager to stamp their mark in T20Is. They also have Quinton de Kock returning to the side, adding firepower at the top, but they are still missing a few key players who have been rested, and unfortunately, David Miller has been ruled out due to injury. For Pakistan, the spotlight will also be on the likes of Usman Khan and the power-hitter Abdul Samad, who could provide the finishing punch their batting often lacks. While Pakistan’s main strength lies in their pace battery and familiarity with local conditions, their inconsistent middle order remains a concern. South Africa, meanwhile, boast better balance and all-round depth but might need a game to fully adapt to the slower surfaces. All in all, expect an intense opener - a battle of firepower versus balance, where execution in the Powerplay and death overs could decide who takes the early lead in the series.