Fri Dec 13 22:44:31 UTC 2024: ## South Africa Wins First T20I Against Pakistan; Babar Azam’s Slump Continues
**Johannesburg, South Africa** – South Africa secured a thrilling 1-0 lead in their three-match T20I series against Pakistan, winning by 11 runs in a high-scoring encounter. The victory was set up by a stunning lower-order partnership and a devastating bowling performance from George Linde.
Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, continued his recent struggles, falling for a golden duck in the first over. The former captain edged 18-year-old left-arm pacer Kwena Maphaka – recently acquired by the Rajasthan Royals – to deep third man, adding to his woes and prompting widespread social media criticism.
South Africa, batting first, found themselves in trouble at 104/5 before David Miller’s explosive 82 off 40 balls (including eight sixes and four fours) and George Linde’s handy 48 off 24 revitalized their innings. They posted a challenging 183/9.
Pakistan’s chase was anchored by a relatively slow Mohammad Rizwan, who later accelerated with two sixes. Saim Ayub (31 off 15) and Tayyab Tahir (18 off 18) provided some quick runs, but Linde’s stunning four-wicket haul in the 18th over (4-21) effectively ended Pakistan’s hopes. He almost achieved a hat-trick, but a review overturned the umpire’s decision on a leg-before appeal. Pakistan finished on 172/8, handing South Africa a crucial first match victory.
First Piper 