South Africa vs Pakistan, PAK in SA, 3 T20Is, 2024 Full score card

Too full, outside off, Haris Rauf drives it to extra cover for one. South Africa beat Pakistan by 11 runs!

Too full, on middle and leg, Sufiyan Muqeem drags it towards long on for a single.

Kwena Maphaka follows the batter down leg, Sufiyan Muqeem shuffles across and lifts it over the bowler's head for a brace. 14 needed off 2 balls for Pakistan. 2 legal deliveries will do it for South Africa.

Fuller one, on off, Sufiyan Muqeem swings hard. Gets it off the outside edge as the ball goes over backward point. They collect two runs.

Sufiyan Muqeem comes in now.

OUT! CAUGHT! That should do it for South Africa! Kwena Maphaka bowls a shorter one, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan swivels and looks to pull it but gets a top edge. The ball goes up in the air towards short third. Nqabayomzi Peter settles under it and completes the catch. Mohammad Rizwan's inning comes to an end. Pakistan need 18 runs off 4 balls.

Too full, on middle, Haris Rauf digs it out towards long on for one. Mohammad Rizwan comes on strike now! He has 5 balls to get his side over the line now!

Kwena Maphaka has been given the task of bowling the final over with Pakistan needing 19 runs from 6 balls. The young left-arm speedster has gone for 32 runs so far from his 3 overs. Can he hold his nerves and see South Africa home here?

FOUR MORE! 19 needed off the final over now! Back of a length, on off, Mohammad Rizwan hangs back and pulls it hard and through mid-wicket for another boundary. Hopes still alive for Pakistan!

FOUR! Mohammad Rizwan is fighting a lone battle here! It is still on! Length, on off, Mohammad Rizwan hangs back and drills it down the ground to the left of long on for a boundary.

Fuller one, on off, Mohammad Rizwan drills it towards long off. He refuses the single again.

FOUR! Absolutely crunched! Too short outside off, Mohammad Rizwan rocks onto the back foot and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

A low full toss, on off, Mohammad Rizwan knocks it down the ground. He does not take the single.

Fuller one, on off, Mohammad Rizwan taps it to the cover fielder.

Oh boy! Linde just missed his hat-trick! Fuller one, on middle and leg, Haris Rauf looks to flick it but misses it completely as the ball hits the front pad. A loud appeal and the finger goes up. Haris Rauf refers and Ball Tracking shows that it was just missing the leg stump. Pakistan need 31 runs from 12 balls.

A loud shout for LBW and up goes the finger! The hat-trick celebrations will have to wait as Haris Rauf has gone for the review. This does look to be sliding down leg. Has it straightened enough? No, it hasn't. The Ball Tracking shows that the ball is missing the leg stump.

Haris Rauf walks out to face the hat-trick ball.

OUT! PLUMB! Abbas Afridi goes upstairs. It looked way too plumb. Shorter and quicker one, on middle and leg and it stays low. Abbas Afridi is caught in the crease and fails to get his bat down in line of the ball. Gets beaten as the ball hits his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up straight away. Abbas Afridi refers. Ultra Edge shows no spike and Ball Tracking shows three reds with the ball hitting the leg stump. George Linde is on a hat-trick now!

Abbas Afridi walks in now.

OUT! TAKEN! George Linde goes fuller, on off, Irfan Khan walks forward and lofts it but gets it off the toe end of his bat. The ball goes high in the air between long off and long on. Matthew Breetzke runs forward from long off and completes the sitter.

George Linde lands it down leg, Mohammad Rizwan is cramped for room as he looks to punch it. The ball hits his pads and rolls towards short covers. They cross.

Fuller one, on middle and leg, Irfan Khan taps it to extra covers for one.

Irfan Khan is the new man in.

OUT! STUMPED! Lands it way outside off, Shaheen Afridi reaches out to play at it but misses and loses his balance. Heinrich Klaasen behind the sticks collects the ball and whips the bails in a flash. The umpires check for a possible stumping and replays show that Shaheen's backfoot was on the line and no part of it was behind the crease. Shaheen Afridi departs. A much-needed wicket for South Africa. Pakistan are now 151/5, needing 33 runs in 17 balls.

Has Heinrich Klaasen managed to find Afridi short of his crease? South Africa are convinced. Shaheen Afridi lost his balance as he tried to reach out. The side-on replay does seem to suggest that no part of Afridi's foot is behind the crease when the bails are dislodged. And yes, the third umpire gives his decision after having a couple of looks. OUT flashes on the big screen!

Too full, on off, Mohammad Rizwan eases it to point for one.

Wide! Sprays it down the leg side, Mohammad Rizwan looks to sweep it but misses.

Length, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan stabs it past point for one. A massive over for Pakistan. 24 runs off it. Pakistan need 36 runs from 18 balls.

SIX! Makes the most of the Free Hit! Mohammad Rizwan has made Pakistan believe they are still in it. Full and outside off, Mohammad Rizwan picks it well and powers it over long off for a biggie. Pressure on the bowling side now!

Halt! Mohammad Rizwan seems to be experiencing cramps. After receiving some stretching from the physio, he puts the helmet back on and he is ready to resume.

All happening out here! An above-waist full toss, on off, Rizwan looks to pull it but miscues it to covers for one. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Rizwan runs for the second. The fielder at mid-wicket collects the ball and throws it towards the keeper Heinrich Klaasen who fails to gather it cleanly as Rizwan puts the dive in to make his ground at the batting end. Also, it's a no ball called for height!  Free Hit coming up...

SIX! Dismissed! FIFTY up for Mohammad Rizwan in some style! Kwena Maphaka serves it in the slot. Full and around off, Mohammad Rizwan brings his bottom hand into play and powers it over long on for a biggie.

Two Wides! Lands it way outside off, Shaheen Afridi swings but misses. The ball dribbles towards the keeper and the batters steal a run.

Had the throw hit, Shaheen was gone! Fuller one, on off, Shaheen Afridi jams it out beside the pitch on the off side and sets off for the run. Kwena Maphaka collects and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Shaheen Afridi was nowhere in the frame. An overthrow allows the batters to collect another run. The third umpire is called into action to check for a bump ball. The replays show that the ball bounced onto the turf before it lobbed off the boot towards the bowler.

FOUR! Well played! A low full toss, on off, Shaheen Afridi shuffles across and steers it magnificently through point for a boundary.

Too full, down leg, Shaheen Afridi shuffles across to flick it but the ball goes through his legs. Heinrich Klaasen makes an excellent stop behind the sticks diving to his right.

Excellent! A yorker, just outside off, Shaheen Afridi digs it down the ground for one.

Top stuff from Andile Simelane! Slower one, on off, Mohammad Rizwan drags it through square leg for one. Singles won't harm South Africa at the moment. Oh well, it's a NO BALL for overstepping. Free Hit coming up...

On a length, on off, Mohammad Rizwan tucks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Jumps up to beat the bat. Short, pace off, Mohammad Rizwan looks to ramp it over the keeper but gets deceived by the slowness of the delivery.

In the slot, just outside off, Shaheen Afridi goes for a wild swing but miscues it down to long on for just a single.

Too full, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan hangs back and cuts it through point for one.

SIX! Whipped away! Andile Simelane errs in his line, down leg, Mohammad Rizwan picks it well and whips it over fine leg for a biggie.

Length, on off, Mohammad Rizwan pushes it to covers and scampers across to the other end. Just 3 runs off the over. Pakistan need 73 runs in 30 balls.

Short, just outside off, Shaheen Afridi is cramped for room as he looks to pull it. It goes onto the helmet off the top edge and rolls away on the off side for a run.

Shaheen Afridi walks in at number 6.

OUT! TAKEN! Tayyab Tahir bites the dust! Back of a length, outside off, and it seems to stick in the surface and bounce a bit extra. Tayyab Tahir looks to pull it but cannot quite control it and the ball skews tamely off the bottom part of the bat. It lobs and goes in the hands of Donovan Ferreira at wide long on.

Back of a length outside off, slower too. Tayyab Tahir has a fiddle but cannot adjust to the pace.

A low full toss, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan fetches it and drags it to long on for one.

Full and hung outside off. More curve away from the batter as it goes past the outside edge of Mohammad Rizwan's flailing blade.

Keeps it flat and short, on off, Rizwan can only push it wide of cover for a single.

Flatter and quicker, on leg stump, skids on in the end. Mohammad Rizwan stands tall to punch it towards the leg side but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Slower through the air, way fuller. Tayyab Tahir opens the face of the bat and guides it towards backward point for a single.

Short and quicker on the stumps, goes straight on. Tayyab Tahir looks to cut it but misses his shot off the back foot.

Fired in, full and on middle, Tahir jams it out back to the bowler.

This was just a few inches away from landing outside the cut strip. Full and way outside off, turns away even further. WIDED!

Full and on middle, goes straight on. Mohammad Rizwan drives it towards long off for a single.

Yorker on middle. Mohammad Rizwan digs it out and plays it towards long on for a single.

Back of a length, slower through the air. Tayyab Tahir pulls it towards mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Just beats the fielder in the end. Fuller and outside off, goes straight on. Tayyab Tahir makes room and slices it wide of sweeper cover. The fielder in the deep gives a long chase and puts in the dive to his right but couldn't stop it from touching the boundary ropes.

Bowled on a back of a length, on middle. Takes the pace off does Andile Simelane. Mohammad Rizwan steps out and swipes across the line. Gets it off the inside edge towards deep fine leg for a run.

Another off-pace delivery, around off, on a length, Mohammad Rizwan swats it to the left of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Serves it on a length, outside off, slower as well, Tayyab Tahir dabs it through point for a single.

Back of a length, wayward down leg as Tayyab Tahir tries to flick it but misses. Wide given.

Short of a length, just outside off. Tayyab Tahir cuts it towards deep point for a single.

Floated up, on off, turning away. Tayyab Tahir taps it towards cover-point.

SIX! A massive hit from Tayyab Tahir! Bowled fuller and quicker, goes straight on. Tahir goes on one knee and thumps it over the long on boundary for a biggie.

Slower and this grips in the surface, shorter as well, Tahir looks to force it through the off side but miscues it beside the pitch on the off side.

Darted in, full and on middle, Rizwan looks to block it out off the front foot. Gets an inside edge that rolls to short fine leg for one.

Drops it short, on off, Tahir punches it past cover and crosses over.

This is just inside the wide tramline on off, on a length, Mohammad Rizwan swings himself off his feet as he looks to go back over the bowler's head. Connects with thin air does Rizwan. The required rate is now 11.11 with Pakistan needing 100 runs in 54 balls.

Wide! Loopy delivery but this is beyond the tramline on off, on a fuller length, left alone by Rizwan for a wide.

This skids through, short and on middle, Tahir whips it off the back foot to wide long on for a single.

Shorter and flatter, on middle, Tayyab Tahir punches it to the right of the bowler.

A massive appeal for LBW but not given. Bowled fuller and flatter, on middle, goes straight on. Mohammad Rizwan shuffles way outside the off stump and tries to sweep it towards fine leg but it seems to come off his pads as it rolls past short fine leg for three runs. Heinrich Klaasen goes up to challenge the decision. UltraEdge shows a spike when the ball is next to the glove. South Africa have now lost both their reviews.

Goes for a hoick but misses. Bowled full and way outside off, turning away. Mohammad Rizwan swings a bit too hard to go across the line. Gets beaten as the ball spins away.

Shorter and flatter on off, goes straight on. Tayyab Tahir rocks back and taps it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Fuller and drifting onto leg, turning away. Mohammad Rizwan leans on and works it away towards cow corner for a brace.

Full again and outside off this time, turning away. Tayyab Tahir pushes it towards cover off the front foot.

Full and outside off, turning away. Tayyab Tahir lunges to push it towards cover.

Drinks break! Pakistan are losing their way in the chase following Saim Ayub's departure, and South Africa have done well to tighten the screws. Mohammad Rizwan is yet to find his rhythm, batting at less than a run-a-ball, and needs to accelerate soon to keep the chase alive. On the other hand, South Africa must focus on maintaining their discipline, particularly by cutting down on extras, to keep the pressure firmly on the visitors. Tayyab Tahir is the new man in.

OUT! TAKEN! The drop in the previous over does not cost much to South Africa! Donovan Ferreira will be a relieved man. Tossed up, full and at the stumps, Usman Khan gets down for the slog sweep but the ball spins away and Rizwan gets a top edge that gets skied in front of deep mid-wicket. Reeza Hendricks runs in off the ropes and takes it near his waist.

Slower and fuller, on off, Rizwan eases it wide of cover for a run.

This is flat and short, on off, Usman makes room and cuts it to deep point for a single.

A half-tracker, wide on off, Rizwan reaches out and toe-ends the shot towards cover.

FOUR BYES! This has beaten everyone! Looped up nicely, full and turning away, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan lunges to work it with the turn but the ball rips past the outside edge and beats the keeper Heinrich Klaasen as well.

DROPPED! Donovan Ferreira seemed to have lost it in the lights. Bowled full and outside off, turning away. Usman Khan stays inside and tries to muscle it over the long off boundary but ends up hitting it flat. Donovan Ferreira runs to his right and seems to have it covered but as the ball nears him, he loses sight of the ball and the ball goes under his hands and hits him on the left thigh. It rolls away to his right for a single. How costly will this drop prove to be for South Africa?

Full again and on the pads. Mohammad Rizwan tucks it towards backward square leg for a single.

Full and outside off, turning away. Usman Khan slices it in the air towards deep cover. It goes on the bounce as the batters come through for a single.

Flatter, quicker on the leg stump, goes straight on. Mohammad Rizwan tucks it towards deep fine leg for a single.

Short and turning away, wide on off, Mohammad Rizwan punches it to deep cover for one.

Slower and shorter, on middle, Usman nurdles it through backward square leg for a run.

Fired in, full and on leg, Usman Khan sweeps it fine but can't get it past short fine leg.

Loopy, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan steers it to point for one.

Goes fuller again, drifting in, turning away. Mohammad Rizwan crouches down to sweep it directly towards short fine.

Floated up on the leg stump, Mohammad Rizwan goes on his knee and tries to sweep it behind square but the ball comes off the gloves and rolls towards Heinrich Klaasen behind the stumps.

Honing in at the stumps, on a length, pushed down to long on for a single by Rizwan.

On a back of a length, on middle, Usman whips it through mid-wicket for one more.

FOUR! Usman Khan is underway. Bowled back of a length, angling in. Usman Khan gets inside the line and helps it past the keeper and it races away towards the boundary cushions.

Usman Khan is in at number 4.

OUT! CAUGHT! Andile Simelane strikes for South Africa. Bowled just back of a length, just outside off, angling across. Saim Ayub hangs back and tries to slash it square as he looks to go aerially. He fails to get the power behind the shot and it goes only as far as deep cover where Matthew Breetzke runs in from the boundary and swallows that catch easily and slides to take the catch.

Back of a length, on middle, angling across. Saim Ayub pats it back towards the bowler.

Starts off with a full toss on middle. Mohammad Rizwan meets it on the full and flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Hammered! Peter serves it full, on off, Saim Ayub hits through the line and drills it between cover and mid off for the third boundary of the over. 15 runs off the final over of the Powerplay for Pakistan. They are 55/1, needing 129 runs in 84 balls.

FOUR! Short and punished! Peter drops it short, on middle and leg, Ayub picks the length quickly and sets himself on the back foot. Pulls it to the right of backward square leg for four more runs.

Fired in shorter and flatter, on middle, Rizwan jabs it through square leg for one more.

Pushed through, on a length, at the stumps, Ayub flicks it in front of deep mid-wicket. He wants to come back for the second but Rizwan was a bit slow in taking the first run.

FOUR! Gets it through! A bit too short and slower as well, on middle, Saim Ayub goes on the back foot quickly and cuts it along the ground. Beats cover to his right for a boundary.

Starts off short and flat, on the pads, Mohammad Rizwan goes back and clips it in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.

Tried a bit too much there did Saim! With an upright seam, on a nagging length, on off, Ayub gets down and tries to scoop it over short fine leg. It comes off the glove and hits him on the chest and he falls over in the process.

FOUR! Beautiful shot! Baartman hurls it full and at the stumps, Saim Ayub shows the full face of the bat and with a high elbow, he punches it back past the bowler for a boundary.

Lands it fuller in length, on off, Saim Ayub lunges to drive it down the ground. Ekes out an inside edge back onto the pads.

On a short of a length, outside off, Rizawn drags it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for one more.

Very full, on off and middle, Rizwan digs it out off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Good use of the feet! On a good length, on off and middle, Mohammad Rizwan skips down the track and crunches it back past the non-striker for a boundary.

FOUR! Make that three boundaries in a row! Angling across, short and wide on off, Saim Ayub throws his hands at the delivery and it flies off a thickish outside edge. Clears short third with ease for the third boundary of the over.

FOUR! Quality shot! Bowls it on a back of a length, on off, Saim Ayub stands tall and punches it through covers for four more runs.

FOUR! Too straight, on the pads, on a back of a length, Saim Ayub swings to help it away but gets it finer than he would have liked. Ottneil Baartman at short fine leg tries to scoop it with his right hand but the ball just short of him and gets past him for a boundary.

This climbs a bit onto the batter, on a back of a length, on middle, Rizwan turns it to the left of short fine leg and gets to the other end.

Tucking the batter up for room, on a good length, Rizwan hops and plays it right of the bowler.

Starts with a full delivery, on the off-stump line, Mohammad Rizwan makes room and pats it to mid off.

Play and a miss! Dishes it out on a back of a length, in the channel on off, Saim Ayub pushes away from his body and gets beaten on the outside edge.

A sharp and quick bumper, around off, Saim Ayub shapes up for the pull but then withdraws his bat and sways away from the line of the ball.

Full and around off, Ayub leans on and drives it wide of cover for a couple of runs to open his account.

Saim Ayub walks in at number 3.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Babar Azam goes for a duck. Kwena Maphaka draws first blood for South Africa. Banged into the deck, wide on off, Babar Azam reaches out as he gets on his toes to unleash it up and over backward point. Ends up getting a thick outside edge. It goes straight down the throat of deep third where Andile Simelane misjudges it initially as he takes a few steps backwards but then recovers well. He has to put the dive in front in the end to complete the catch.

Angling across, on a hard length, on off, Rizwan runs it down to deep third for a single.

Too full, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan taps it to the cover fielder.

Back of length outside off, Babar Azam has a fiddle and cannot adjust with the bounce.

On a back of a length, on off, stabbed down on the off side by Babar.

Oh, dear! A big mix-up and had the throw hit, Babar Azam was a goner! Angling in, on a length, on off, Mohammad Rizwan taps it off the front foot to the right of cover and sets off for the run as does Babar. Babar is sent halfway through the run and Donovan Ferreira is quick enough to get across to his right to make the stop. He tries to release an underarm throw while diving ahead but fails to hit the target. Babar had given up. The ball rolls away and it is not backed up well, allowing a run.

Width on offer, on the fuller side, Mohammad Rizwan frees his arms and cracks the drive but can't get it past cover.

A tighter line, in and around the off stump, on a good length, Mohammad Rizwan punches it straight to mid off.

Wide! Another one spilled down leg by Baartman, on a hard length, Rizwan fails to get any bat on it. Good sharp take diving away to his left by Klaasen.

Four leg byes! Sprayed down leg, on a length, Mohammad Rizwan fails to help it away off the pads. It comes off the pads and beats the diving Heinrich Klaasen to his left for a boundary.

Ottneil Baartman to share the attack.

Has Babar Azam been strangled down leg? Heinrich Klaasen is convinced and he takes the review. This is on a back of a length, at the hips, Babar Azam gets inside the line and tries to help it away but misses. Klaasen went up in appeal straight away but Kwena was not convincing in his appeal. UltraEdge shows no spike when the ball is next to the bat and it has actually come off the thigh pad. South Africa lose an early review.

At 146 kph, on a length, on off, Mohammad Rizwan gets his bat out in front and pushes it wide of cover for a single.

FOUR! Lovely shot to get off the mark! Angling away, on a good length, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan extends his hands and drives it to the right of backward point for his first boundary.

Four leg byes! At 148 kph, too straight, on the pads, on a length, Mohammad Rizwan is beaten for pace as he attempts to tickle it fine. The ball comes off his pads and races past the keeper and beats short fine leg to his right for a boundary.

Another one that goes across the batter, on a length, Mohammad Rizwan does not move his feet at all and just goes at it with his hands. Gets an inside edge and it dribbles near his feet.

Steams in from over the wicket and angles a full delivery, across the right-hander, Mohammad Rizwan lets it be.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! George Linde holes out on the last ball of the innings! He has done his job though. His 48 off 24 balls has helped South Africa finish with 183. Coming to the delivery, this was bowled slower through the air and the length was pulled back a bit, outside off, George Linde attempted the slog sweep as he reached out in front. Got more height than distance on it. Irfan Khan settled under it and did the rest at deep mid-wicket.

SIX! BANG! Clean strike! Muqeem gives the ball air and it is a bit too full, on off, George Linde gets close to the line of the ball and launches it over long off for the third six of the over.

Well bowled! Fired in, shorter and away from the batter's arc, George Linde reaches out for the cut but misses.

SIX TWO IN TWO! Sufiyan Muqeem misses his mark and dishes it out right in the slot, on middle and leg, George Linde clears his front leg and clobbers it high and handsome over the long on fence for a biggie. 12 runs off the first 3 balls.

SIX! George Linde shows why he turned down the single on the first ball! Muqeem floats it up, full and on off, George Linde is through his shot a bit early and the bat turns in his hand as he goes for the slog sweep. He manages to get enough bat on it to clear the deep mid-wicket fence.

Looped up, full and on off, George Linde fails to get underneath it properly. Pumps it flat and on the bounce to long off. Linde does not take the single.

Quick single taken! Slower one from Rauf, into the wicket, on middle, George Linde drops it with soft hands at his feet and calls Kwena Maphaka through for a quick single. Rauf tries to kick the ball onto the stumps but misses. A good over for South Africa. 12 runs off it.

WIDE! Rauf bangs it in way too short, over off. George Linde lets it go. It sails over the batter's head for a wide.

FOUR! Clever, very clever! Rauf misses his yorker and ends up serving a low full toss, on middle, George Linde stays leg side of the ball and opens the bat face to slice it to the right of backward point for four more runs.

Full and straight, attacking the stumps, Kwena Maphaka presents a straight bat and pats it to the left of the bowler. Gets it past the diving Rauf in his follow-through for a run.

FOUR! Up and over! At 143 kph, on a length, on off, Kwena Maphaka's weight stays on the back foot as he looks to go down the ground. He still manages to clear Shaheen Afridi at mid off for a boundary. These are handy runs for South Africa.

Fuller and on the pads, a bit too straight, Kwena Maphaka misses the tickle and gets hit on the pads.

Sees the batter back away does Rauf and he follows him with a length delivery, George Linde thumps it along the carpet to the right of long off for one.

Hurls it very full, on off, Kwena Maphaka drills it hard as he reaches out but Babar Azam at extra cover dives to his left to cut it off. Good stop!

Bangs it on a hard length, on off, Kwena Maphaka stays back and looks to play it with an angled bat. Plays inside the line of the ball and misses.

On a back of a length, on off, Kwena Maphaka hangs back and steers it wide of backward point for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Nicely played! Goes searching for the yorker does Abbas but ends up bowling a low full toss, closer to the off-stump line, Kwena Maphaka gets on the front foot and drives it with a straight bat to the left of mid off for a boundary. The 150 comes up for South Africa.

Play and a miss! Bowled from wide of the crease on the around-the-wicket angle, on a length, outside off, Kwena Maphaka goes chasing and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Serves it in the channel on off, on a good length, Kwena Maphaka knocks it along the carpet to cover.

Yes, they can! Loopy delivery, very full, just outside off, George Linde clears his front leg to back over the bowler's head but misses. Linde throws his head back in disappointment.

Flatter and shorter, on off, Kwena Maphaka punches it to the right of cover and gets to the other end quickly. Can Pakistan deny Linde from retaining the strike?

Beaten! Floated up, full and turning away, outside off, Kwena Maphaka looks to push it through the off side but gets beaten as the ball spins past the outside edge.

Dishes out the googly, short and on middle, George Linde goes deep in his crease and flat bats it to wide long on. He wants to come back for the second but the fielder in the deep is quick to release the throw.

FOUR! Innovative and effective! Tossed up, full and at the stumps, George Linde brings out the reverse and hits it up and over backward point for a boundary. A couple of bounces and it goes away for a boundary.

Turning away, short and outside off, George Linde presses back and smacks it to deep extra cover but does not take the single.

Kwena Maphaka walks in at number 10.

OUT! LBW! A loud shout and up goes the finger! This looks straight but Peter has reviewed it. Angling in from around the wicket, on a good length, on middle and leg, Nqabayomzi Peter stays rooted to the crease and has a swipe across the line. Gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the back thigh. There is no bat involved and the Ball Tracking shows that the ball would have clipped the top of the leg stump. The on-field decision stands. Afridi ends his night with the ball with a wicket. He finishes with figures of 4-0-22-3. South Africa are now 141/8.

Had the throw hit, Peter was gone! Honing in on the off stump, on a fullish length, Nqabayomzi Peter firms the drive and sets off for a single. He gets sent back as the fielder swoops in and picks the ball cleanly. He fires in a throw at the batting end but misses.

From around the wicket, very full, outside off, Nqabayomzi Peter goes for the drive but gets beaten as the ball sneaks under the bat.

Lands it on a nagging length, on middle, Nqabayomzi Peter turns it in the vacant mid-wicket region and comes charging back for the second run. Good running!

Did that carry? On a good length, angling across the batter, Nqabayomzi Peter plays in front of his body as he gets his bat out in front to defend. Gets an outside edge that drops short of the diving backward point fielder.

A searing yorker from over the wicket, at the base of the leg stump, George Linde gets his bat down in time and squeezes it out. Gets an inside down to deep fine leg for one.

Slightly slower and this turns away, short and around off, Nqabayomzi Peter stays back and pushes it to cover. Abrar ends with figures of 4-0-37-3.

Shorter and quicker, on middle, George Linde goes on the back foot and punches it to long on for a run.

Flatter and shorter, on off, Nqabayomzi Peter jabs it off the back foot to wide long on for a run.

Nqabayomzi Peter walks in.

OUT! STUMPED! The googly works well for Abrar Ahmed for the second time in the game! Nicely tossed up, full and around off, enticing the batter into the big shot. Andile Simelane sees the ball above his eyeline and skips down the track. Gets beaten in the flight and fails to get to the pitch of the ball. The ball drops on him and turns past the inside edge. He is way down the track and it is an easy stumping for Mohammad Rizwan. Third wicket for Abrar. South Africa are now 136/7 in 14.3 overs.

Keeps it short again, on middle, Andile Simelane nudges it off the back foot to mid-wicket.

This is flat and short, over off, Andile Simelane presses back and pats it to cover.

Slanting into the pads, on a length, Andile Simelane goes deep in the crease and glances it down to deep fine leg for a run. End of a successful over for Shaheen and Pakistan. The massive wicket of Miller and just the 5 runs off it.

Andile Simelane is in at number 8.

OUT! CAUGHT! Pakistan finally have David Miller. Shaheen Afridi gets the crucial breakthrough for Pakistan. Bowled fuller and outside off, Shaheen Afridi rolls his fingers over the ball. Miller lines himself up to pull it over the deep mid-wicket boundary but fails to get the elevation on the shot. Irfan Khan shows a balancing act at the deep mid-wicket boundary as he times the leap to perfection and completes the catch. End of a fine knock from Miller but South Africa needed him to bat through. He goes for 82 (40).

Pace on, on a length, knocked down to long off for a single by Linde.

Another well-executed yorker, at the toes, George Linde can only jam it out on the leg side.

Goes slower this time does Afridi, on a length and outside off, an off-cutter. George Linde is deceived and goes through his shot early. It loops over cover as the batters come through for a brace.

Bowled on leg stump, very full, David Miller flicks it off the pads towards fine leg for a single.

SIX! Wrong'un picked up beautifully by George Linde. Bowled full and outside off, comes in off the wicket towards the batter. George Linde stands tall and pulls it over deep mid-wicket boundary for a flat six.

This is pushed away for a single by Miller.

Miscued but safe! Turning away, loopy delivery, around off, Linde closes the bat face early as he looks to work it away on the leg side. Gets a leading edge that lobs but drops well in front of long off.

Tossed up, on off, driven straight to cover by Linde.

FOUR! Gets it through! Flatter and shorter, closer to the off-stump line, George Linde lets the ball come to him and cuts it late. Gets it right between short third and backward polnt for a boundary.

Shrot and wide, George Linde hangs back and cuts it towards deep backward point for a brace.

FOUR! Miller is finding the gaps with absolute finesse! Bowled short and outside off, David Miller rocks back, opens the face of the bat and guides it in between short third and backward point for a boundary.

SIX! David Miller is on a roll! Bowled full and outside off, goes straight on. David Miller goes on one knee and slaps it over deep backward point for a flat six.

Loopy slower delivery, on a length, around off, David Miller opens the bat face and steers it straight to short third.

Slower one, angled in, on a back of a length, David Miller places it with soft hands to the right of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Fuller one, on middle and leg, George Linde turns it to square leg for one.

George Linde comes in now.

OUT! CAUGHT! Donovan Ferreira must be really kicking himself for getting out in that fashion. This one is bowled just back of a length, angling down leg. Donovan Ferreira lines himself up to flick it towards the leg side but ends up working it uppishly. It balloons towards Sufiyan Muqeem at short fine leg where he takes it safely towards his left. South Africa have now lost half their side. They are now 104/5 in 11.1 overs.

SIX! Picked the bones out of that did David Miller. This one is bowled just back of a length, outside off, an off-cutter, David Miller picks it out of the hand, swivels and deposits it over the mid-wicket boundary for a massive six.

Touch short, slower and outside off. David Miller looks to pull it but gets a bottom edge as the ball rolls towards the keeper.

Goes short this time does Haris Rauf, angled towards the batter. David Miller takes a swing at it but misses as the ball goes over the bat.

This is pushed away for a single by Donovan.

Guided wide of deep third for another brace by Donovan Ferreira.

Played towards mid wicket for a couple of runs by Donovan Ferreira.

Drinks break! David Miller is spearheading South Africa's recovery, and the way he's striking the ball spells trouble for Pakistan. Despite their early breakthroughs in the Powerplay, Pakistan have struggled to contain the runs, especially in the last 5 overs. They need to keep chipping away at the wickets and find a way to dismiss Miller quickly to regain control. Haris Rauf to bowl after the break.

Serves the googly now, short and outside off, David Miller picks it from the hand and cuts it to the right of deep point for a couple of runs. 21 runs off the over.

SIX! David Miller is turning up the heat! Bowled full and outside off, turns inward this time. David Miller goes forward and muscles it way high up in the night sky as it sails over the long off boundary for another biggie!

SIX! David Miller brings up his FIFTY in style! Bowled full and way outside off, it is the googly. David Miller shuffles towards the line of the ball and slashes it over deep point boundary for another six. Fifty off 28 balls for Miller but the job is far from over yet.

SIX! Just got enough did David Miller! Bowled full and on the middle stump, turning towards the batter. David Miller goes on one knee and slogs it across the line and over the mid-wicket boundary for another six!

Turning back in sharply, short and on the pads, David Miller misses the tickle and it comes off the pads as it rolls to point.

Full and outside off, turns away. Donovan Ferreira rocks back and slaps it towards deep cover.

Length delivery, on off, David Miller stays put and drills it hard but can't get it past the man at extra cover.

Banged in short, at the batter from around the wicket, David Miller arches back and tries to ramp it over the keeper but the ball climbs onto him and goes past the inside edge.

Angling in, on a length, at the stumps, Donovan Ferreira knocks it down to long on and gets off the mark with a single.

Donovan Ferreira walks in at number 6.

OUT! CAUGHT! Heinrich Klaasen falls. Bowled with a scrambled seam, short of a length, outside off, nips in. Heinrich Klaasen looks to muscle it over deep mid-wicket but the ball hits the bottom part of the bat and it goes up in the air. Irfan Khan at the mid-wicket boundary runs in and settles under it to complete the catch. Abbas has his first wicket of the night and it is the big one of the Proteas skipper. Klaasen goes for 12(13). The 43-run stand is broken. South Africa are now 71/4 after 8.3 overs.

This is punched off the back foot for a couple by Klaasen.

This is pushed away for a single by Miller.

Full and outside off, turning away. Heinrich Klaasen drives it to cover.

Bowled quicker and flatter, outside off, goes straight on. David Miller mistimes his pull uppishly and it falls short of the mid-wicket fielder. The batters run through for a single.

SIX! All timing that from David Miller. Bowled fuller and outside off, turns away. David Miller leans on and just lofts it over the long off boundary for another six.

Full and outside off, David Miller swings hard but miscues it wide of long off for a brace.

A bit of a hold-up in play as the umpires try to get the ball back. It has been returned and we are good to go now.

SIX! David Miller is turning it on here. Bowled fuller and outside off, turning away. David Miller goes on one knee and slogs it over the deep mid-wicket boundary for a massive six. It bounces a couple of times on the roof before going across towards the road adjacent to the stadium.

Drops it short, on off, David Miller chops it down but it goes straight to backward point.

Full and drifting down leg. David Miller flicks it off the pads towards short fine leg where Sufiyan Muqeem dives to his left and keeps it down to one.

SIX! Picked up the slower one nicely did David Miller! Full and just outside off, comes slower too. David Miller picks it from the hand and times his lofted shot perfectly and deposits it over the long off boundary.

Fuller and outside off, Heinrich Klaasen miscues his drive, takes the inside edge and goes the other way towards fine leg for a single.

On a length, outside off, David Miller stays back and guides it towards deep third for a single.

Coming from around the stumps, angled in towards the batter, on a back of a length, David Miller punches it towards mid off.

On a length, just outside off, nips away. Heinrich Klaasen stays inside his crease and punches it towards sweeper cover for a single.

Too full, outside off, David Miller digs it to point. The fielder makes a good stop to his left. Dot. A good powerplay for Pakistan but they need to break this stand soon.

On a length and on off, Heinrich Klaasen punches it to covers for one.

Slower one, just outside off, Heinrich Klaasen fends it to covers and calls for a single but is sent back. The fielder has a shy at the batter's end but misses.

SIX! In the zone and it has been dismissed! Length and around off, Heinrich Klaasen stands his ground and plunders it all the way over mid-wicket for a biggie. That's why he is rated so highly!

Full, on off, Heinrich Klaasen taps it to the left of the bowler.

Oh! Length in the channel and this one shapes away late. Heinrich Klaasen has a lazy waft at it and is beaten all ends up.

It will be pace from both ends as Abbas Afridi comes on to bowl.

Length again, on off, David Miller turns it through square leg for a brace. A shaky start from South Africa but these two need to steady the ship now!

Shout for lbw, not given! On a length and just down leg, David Miller looks to flick it but gets a blow on his pads. A loud appeal but the finger stays down. Mohammad Rizwan has a chat with Haris Rauf and they decide not to review it. Good decision though, as it looked to be missing leg!

Fuller this time, targeting the stumps, David Miller tries to flick it but gets a soft leading edge towards the cover fielder.

On a length and on middle and leg, Heinrich Klaasen looks to play it on the off side but miscues it through backward square leg for one.

Lands it outside off, David Miller guides it to short third for one.

FOUR! Shot! Fuller one, on off, David Miller stays in his crease and drives it magnificently through mid off for a boundary.

Haris Rauf comes into the attack as the first change, replacing Shaheen Afridi.

Flighted up, on off, angling in a shade. Heinrich Klaasen stays in his crease and punches it to the cover fielder.

Short, on off, Heinrich Klaasen hangs back and blocks it solidly.

The captain Heinrich Klaasen walks in with his side in early trouble. A slip in place for Klaasen.

OUT! TIMBER! Abrar Ahmed gets his second! A googly from Abrar Ahmed, it landed around middle and turned back in. Reeza Hendricks was on the leg stump as he tried to cut it but missed it completely. He plays it off the back foot to a delivery he should have been on the front foot. He fails to pick the googly and the ball sneaks past the inside edge to leave the stumps in a mess. South Africa continue to crumble.

Past the edge! Looped up outside off, Reeza Hendricks wafts at it and is beaten all ends up!

Short, around off, David Miller tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

Slower one, on off, Reeza Hendricks drags it over mid-wicket for one.

Overpitched, on off, Reeza Hendricks hangs back and turns it towards mid-wicket for one.

Good length, on off, David Miller punches it towards mid off. Haris Rauf dives to his right and stops a possible boundary. Just a single.

That's a tight leave! On a length and outside off, it nips in. David Miller reads it well and leaves it alone.

Length, on off, David Miller hangs back and blocks it to covers.

FOUR MORE! What a good shot this is! On a length and outside off, David Miller is severe onto it as he cracks a drive through the cover region to find the fence.

FOUR! Well played! Goes fuller and on middle and leg, David Miller makes a good connection and pumps it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

FOUR! Whipped to the cow-corner boundary! Short, on off, Reeza Hendricks holds onto a stable base and lets his bottom hand take over. Gets it over the fielder for a boundary.

Short, on off, Reeza Hendricks punches it to the cover fielder.

Fuller again, on middle, David Miller flicks it along the floor through mid-wicket for one.

Wide! Fullish ball, pushing it down leg, David Miller looks to flick it but misses.

David Miller is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Quicker one has done the trick here. Abrar Ahmed delivers it on a shortish length outside off,  Matthew Breetzke winds up for another big shot through the line but mistimes it completely. The ball carries towards Saim Ayub at backward point who makes no mistake. A short stay for Matthew Breetzke. Abrar folds his arms and with a bit of head nod gives a send-off to Breetzke.

SIX! Right out of the screws! Half-tracker outside off that sits up to be hit. Matthew Breetzke winds up and clatters it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Short, angling in, Matthew Breetzke stays in his crease and blocks it to short covers.

It will be spin in the form of Abrar Ahmed from the other end.

What an over from Shaheen Afridi! This is streaky again. Length, on off, Matthew Breetzke looks to block it but edges it past the slip fielder for one.

Too full again, on off, Reeza Hendricks drills it towards cover where Tayyab Tahir dives to his right to save a certain boundary. Just a single off it then.

Overpitched, on off, Matthew Breetzke drives it to extra cover for one. He gets off the mark.

Matthew Breetzke walks in at number 3.

OUT! CHOPPED ON! Shaheen Afridi strikes as Rassie van der Dussen departs for a golden duck! Goes fuller this time, outside off, Rassie van der Dussen looks to fetch it from outside off but gets a thick inside edge. The ball goes on to hit the off pole. A fine start from Pakistan!

Oh! Length again, outside off, Reeza Hendricks looks to block it again but gets squared up as the ball goes away. Miscues it through backward point for one. What a start from Shaheen Afridi! Something seems to be brewing here!

Straight on the money! Shaheen starts with a length ball, on leg and it jags back in. Reeza Hendricks looks to block it but wears it on his pads. A loud appeal but turned down. Perhaps missing leg.

Time to get going in the series opener. Overcast skies greet the two umpires as they make their way out to the middle. Mohammad Rizwan and his men break from the huddle to take their respective positions in the field. Rassie van der Dussen and Reeza Hendricks are the two openers for South Africa. Shaheen Afridi will kickstart proceedings with the new ball for Pakistan. A solitary slip in place. Here we go!

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Matthew Breetzke, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (C/WK), Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Andile Simelane, Nqabayomzi Peter, Kwena Maphaka, Ottneil Baartman.

TOSS - South Africa have won the toss and they will BAT first.

Historically, Pakistan have had the upper hand in T20Is between these two teams, including a dominant 3-1 series win on South African soil back in 2021. South Africa will be keen to turn the tables and secure their first series in T20Is over Pakistan since 2019. So, sit back, relax, and get ready for an exciting match between two top cricketing nations. Stick around for the toss and team news.

On the other hand, Pakistan enter the series on the back of a white-ball adventure in Zimbabwe, and they will be eager to carry that momentum forward. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan returns, as does Babar Azam, and a lot will rest on the shoulders of this experienced duo. Saim Ayub, in the early stages of his T20I career, has begun well, and he will be keen to excel here. The playing XI announced earlier in the day boasts of a formidable pace trio of Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, and Abbas Afridi, with Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed handling the spin bowling duties.

South Africa enter this series with some fresh changes in their T20I squad. The Proteas will be without some key players for the T20I leg, including the likes of Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Keshav Maharaj, all of whom were involved in the recently concluded Test series against Sri Lanka. In Markram's absence, Heinrich Klaasen will take over the reins. Despite these absences, the South African batting lineup remains potent, with experienced campaigners like Reeza Hendricks, David Miller, and Rassie van der Dussen. The spin department will be manned by the likes of Tabraiz Shamsi and George Linde, though Shamsi's availability for this game is uncertain due to his participation in the recently concluded Global Super League. The pace attack will be led by Anrich Nortje, and it also features exciting names like Kwena Maphaka and Ottneil Baartman.

Hello and welcome to the first T20I of the three-match series between South Africa and Pakistan at Kingsmead in Durban. Cricket fans around the world are in for a thrilling ride as these two cricketing giants lock horns in what promises to be an exciting clash to kick off this multi-format series. The series will feature three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests, adding another layer of intensity to the non-stop cricket calendar that has become a hallmark of modern-day international cricket.

... MATCH DAY ...

Modern cricket has evolved into a non-stop spectacle, treating fans to endless action across the globe. Adding to this perpetual cricket calendar, South Africa is set to host Pakistan in an exciting multi-format series, spanning T20Is, ODIs, and Tests. The tour begins at Durban's historic Kingsmead ground with the first of three T20Is, before moving on to three ODIs and two Test matches. The Proteas T20I squad sees some notable changes, with Heinrich Klaasen taking the captaincy reins in place of Aiden Markram, who's focused on his Test captain duties. Several key players - Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, and Keshav Maharaj - will sit out the T20Is following their involvement in the recent Test series against Sri Lanka, though they're scheduled to return for the ODI leg. The spin department will be handled by a trio comprising Tabraiz Shamsi, Nqabayomzi Peter, and George Linde. The pace bowling responsibilities fall to young talents Kwena Maphaka, Andile Simelane, and Ottneil Baartman, with Patrick Kruger providing an additional all-round option. Despite some absences, the batting lineup remains formidable, featuring experienced campaigners like Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, and David Miller alongside captain Klaasen. Pakistan enters the series riding high on confidence following their successful white-ball campaign in Zimbabwe. The squad, led by the dynamic Mohammad Rizwan, who'll also don the keeping gloves, presents a formidable unit on paper. In the batting department, all eyes will be on Babar Azam, despite his recent form concerns. The former captain remains a crucial figure in the top order, supported by emerging talents Saim Ayub and Usman Khan. The squad has been refreshed with new faces, including Omair Yousuf and Tayyab Tahir, while all-rounder Salman Agha adds depth to the lineup. The bowling arsenal looks particularly threatening with the pace trio of Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Abbas. The spin contingent features Abrar Ahmed and Salman Agha as the primary options, with Sufiyan Muqeem providing additional support. Pakistan carries a psychological advantage in this series, having historically dominated South Africa in T20Is. They'll draw particular confidence from their previous tour in 2021, where they secured a convincing 3-1 series victory on South African soil. The last South Africa won a series against Pakistan was back in 2018/19 when Faf du Plessis used to lead the pack. So, it’s been quite a wait for them to defeat Pakistan, that too, on their home soil. However, if we look at their overall head-to-head clashes, it shows how closely contested these two teams have been, with Pakistan having a thin edge over the South Africans by 12-10. Will the Proteas pack a punch this time, or can Pakistan maintain their winning streak? Whatever the result is, this series will be a sure-shot box-office entertainer.