Fri Dec 13 16:50:00 UTC 2024: ## South Africa Edges Out Pakistan in Thrilling T20I Victory
**Centurion, South Africa** – South Africa secured a thrilling 11-run victory over Pakistan in the first T20I of their three-match series on Tuesday. The match was highlighted by a stunning comeback from South African all-rounder George Linde, who overcame a chaotic start to his day to deliver career-best performances with both bat and ball.
Linde’s day began with a missed team bus, requiring police escort to reach Kingsmead Stadium. However, he redeemed himself spectacularly, scoring 48 runs off 24 balls (including three sixes in the final over) and taking 4-21 with the ball. His performance was crucial in South Africa’s recovery after a shaky start, where they were 104-5 in the 12th over before David Miller’s explosive 82 off 40 balls (including eight sixes) propelled them to a challenging 183-9.
Pakistan’s chase was anchored by Mohammad Rizwan (74 off 61), but a slow start put pressure on the rest of the batting order. Saim Ayub (31 off 15) and Tayyab Tahir (18 off 18) provided some quick runs, but Linde’s devastating four-wicket burst in the 18th over effectively ended Pakistan’s hopes. Rizwan’s dismissal in the final over sealed Pakistan’s fate at 172-8.
The match also saw the ignominious dismissal of Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who was bowled for a duck by 18-year-old Kwena Maphaka. This continues a poor run of form for Babar, who recently relinquished the white-ball captaincy and was dropped from the Test side. His dismissal fueled further criticism on social media.
Shaheen Shah Afridi was Pakistan’s best bowler, taking 3-22. The second T20I will be played on Thursday at Centurion.
First Piper 