Hendricks Responds to Saim's 98 with a Century, South Africa Wins

Rassie van der Dussen and Reeza Hendricks starred as South Africa defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets, clinching the T20 series 2-0 with consecutive victories. Chasing a mammoth 207, the Proteas reached the target with three balls to spare, losing just three wickets in the process.

Pakistan, opting to bat first at Centurion, managed 206 for 5 in their allotted overs. Captain Mohammad Rizwan departed early, scoring just 11 runs. Saim Ayub and Babar Azam steadied the innings with an 87-run partnership off 45 balls for the second wicket. However, Babar fell for 31 off 20 balls, caught off George Linde.

Dian Ghalim's double strike then saw Pakistan lose quick wickets. In the latter stages, Saim Ayub found support from Irfan Khan and Abbas Afridi. Irfan contributed 30 runs off 16 balls, while Saim remained unbeaten on 98 off 57 balls, narrowly missing his maiden T20 century. Unfortunately, he did not get to face a ball in the final over, denying him a shot at the milestone.

Chasing 207, South Africa lost Ryan Rickelton early, and Matthew Breetzke fell for 28 runs, bowled by Zahanadad Khan. However, a monumental 163-run partnership between Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen for the third wicket turned the game in South Africa’s favor.

Hendricks smashed 117 off 63 balls, including 7 fours and 10 sixes, before Abbas Afridi broke the partnership. By then, South Africa was already on the brink of victory. Van der Dussen finished the job, smashing a six off Abbas Afridi to seal the win. He remained unbeaten on 66 off 38 balls, hitting 3 fours and 5 sixes.

Reeza Hendricks was named Player of the Match for his spectacular century.