South Africa beat Pakistan by 55 runs in opening T20I in Rawalpindi

South Africa dominated Pakistan in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, bowling the hosts out for 139 to complete a 55‑run win in the opening Twenty20 international of the three‑match series. The visitors posted 194 for 9 after being sent in, then tightened early and through the middle overs to skittle Pakistan, handing South Africa a 1‑0 lead with the next two games scheduled in Lahore on Friday and Saturday.

Reeza Hendricks anchored the South African innings with 60 off 40 balls, and a late cameo from George Linde (36 off 22) helped lift the total. Quinton de Kock struck 23 from 13 before falling in the powerplay, and debutant Tony de Zorzi contributed a brisk 33 off 16. In reply, Corbin Bosch produced a career‑best four for 14 to demolish Pakistan’s middle and lower order, while Linde claimed three for 31 as the home side folded in 18.1 overs.

Babar Azam, recalled to Pakistan’s T20 side and walking out to loud cheers as he sought to overtake Rohit Sharma’s career T20 runs record, lasted two balls and was caught at cover off Bosch for a duck. The star batter’s early exit removed a planned stabilising presence at number three and compounded Pakistan’s struggles while chasing 195 in front of...