Rawalpindi, October 28, 2025 — The South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20 match delivered thrilling cricket action as South Africa defeated Pakistan by 55 runs to take a 1–0 lead in the series. The Proteas, led by Reeza Hendricks and Corbin Bosch, showcased a commanding all-round performance at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, outplaying the hosts in every department.
South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20 Match Overview
After winning the toss and electing to field, Pakistan allowed South Africa to set a formidable total of 194 for 9 in 20 overs. The Proteas’ innings was built around Hendricks’ fluent strokeplay and valuable contributions from the middle order. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi, picked up wickets but failed to contain the flow of runs on a flat track.
In reply, Pakistan faltered early and never managed to recover from regular wickets. South Africa’s bowlers were clinical and disciplined, dismissing the home side for 139 all out in 18.1 overs, sealing a 55-run win and a perfect start to their T20 series campaign.
Reeza Hendricks Anchors the South African Innings
Reeza Hendricks was the star performer with the bat, scoring a brilliant 60 off 40 balls. His confident strokeplay and ability to rotate the strike laid the foundation for South Africa’s imposing total. He received good support from Quinton de Kock and Tony de Zorzi, who played quick cameos to keep the momentum going. The lower order added vital runs to push the total close to the 200-mark.
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Corbin Bosch and Linde Lead the Bowling Attack
Corbin Bosch was the pick of the bowlers, claiming four wickets with pace and precision. His ability to extract bounce and movement on a helpful pitch kept Pakistan’s batters under constant pressure. George Linde was equally impressive, providing key breakthroughs in the middle overs and maintaining tight control with his variations. Together, they dismantled Pakistan’s batting order, ensuring South Africa’s dominance throughout the game.
Key Match Moments
- South Africa innings: 194/9 (20 overs)
- Pakistan innings: 139 all out (18.1 overs)
- Result: South Africa won by 55 runs
- Player of the Match: George Linde (SA) - 3/31 (3) & 36 (22)
What Went Wrong for Pakistan?
Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure as early wickets derailed their chase. Babar Azam’s early dismissal for a duck added to the woes, while the middle order failed to stabilize the innings. Despite a few brief partnerships, Pakistan could not keep up with the asking rate. Their approach lacked intent and adaptability against South Africa’s smart bowling plans.
Missed opportunities in the field also proved costly. Dropped catches and poor ground fielding gave South Africa extra runs, which turned out to be decisive. Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly in the death overs, struggled to hit consistent lengths, allowing South Africa to finish strong.
Tactical Takeaways for Both Teams
For South Africa: The opening win demonstrated their balanced squad strength and adaptability in subcontinental conditions. The team’s depth in both batting and bowling gives them confidence heading into the next matches.
For Pakistan: The home side must regroup and address key issues in their middle-order batting and bowling execution. Skipper Salman Ali Agha and coach Mike Hesson are expected to revisit their strategy before the next T20 encounter.
Fan and Media Reactions
Fans praised South Africa’s professionalism and Hendricks’ batting heroics. On social media, cricket enthusiasts highlighted the disciplined bowling from Corbin Bosch and George Linde. Pakistani supporters, however, expressed disappointment at the team’s batting collapse and fielding lapses, urging a stronger comeback in the second T20.
What Lies Ahead in the Series
With this commanding win, South Africa leads the three-match series 1–0. The second T20 will be played in Gaddafi Stadium, where Pakistan will aim to bounce back and level the series. The Proteas, on the other hand, will look to maintain their momentum and seal the series with another strong performance.
Given the competitive nature of both teams, fans can expect another high-intensity contest filled with power-hitting, tactical bowling, and dramatic moments under lights in Lahore.
Disclaimer: This article provides a match summary of the South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20 played on October 28, 2025, at Rawalpindi. The information presented is based on official scorecards, match reports, and credible cricket news sources. All statistics and insights are accurate as of the date of publication.
Sources: Reuters, ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, Times of India, Cricket World.
Author: Prashant Sanjeeva Sherigara