Tue Dec 17 15:48:19 UTC 2024: ## Pakistan Stumbles in T20 Series Opener Against South Africa
**DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA** – Pakistan’s men’s cricket team suffered a disappointing 11-run defeat against South Africa in the first T20I of their three-match series on Tuesday. Despite a spirited chase, Pakistan fell short of South Africa’s 183/9, ultimately scoring 172/8.
South Africa’s innings was anchored by David Miller’s explosive 82 off 40 balls, which propelled them to a respectable total after a shaky start that saw them at 71/4. George Linde also contributed a quick-fire 48. Shaheen Shah Afridi, celebrating his 100th T20I wicket, led Pakistan’s bowling attack with 3/22. However, Pakistan’s bowling conceded too many runs in the latter stages of the South African innings.
Pakistan’s chase was hampered by a lack of intent and an excessive number of dot balls, according to veteran cricketer Ahmad Shahzad. Shahzad criticized the team’s performance on X, highlighting the failure to restrict South Africa’s late surge and the slow, hesitant approach during the chase. He specifically lambasted the senior players, including captain Mohammad Rizwan (74 runs) and Babar Azam (0 runs), for failing to take responsibility and for hiding behind younger players. He praised the performances of Saim, Shaheen, and Abrar as positives. Rizwan’s dismissal in the final over effectively sealed Pakistan’s defeat. The series continues with the second T20I on Friday.
First Piper 