South Africa beats Pakistan to claim T20I series victory

South Africa secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second Cricket T20 International at SuperSport Park, Centurion, on Friday, clinching the series with one match remaining.

Reeza Hendricks delivered a career-best performance, smashing an unbeaten 117 off 63 balls to lead the Proteas to victory.

Batting first, Pakistan posted an impressive 206/5, with Saim Ayub starring with a scintillating 98 not out from 57 balls.

Ayub, who fell agonizingly short of his maiden T20I century, anchored Pakistan’s innings after the early dismissal of captain Mohammad Rizwan for 16.

Ayub found support from Babar Azam (31), with the duo putting on an 87-run partnership.

However, a middle-order collapse saw Usman Khan (3), Tayyab Tahir (6), and Azam fall in quick succession.

Irfan Khan (30) and Abbas Afridi (11) added crucial runs in the death overs.

South Africa’s chase began unsteadily, with openers Ryan Rickelton (2) and Matthew Breetzke (12) dismissed cheaply.

However, Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen (66) steadied the ship with a match-winning 157-run partnership.

Hendricks’ explosive knock included 10 boundaries and six maximums, propelling the Proteas towards their target.

Although Hendricks fell just short of sealing the win himself, captain Heinrich Klassen ensured the chase was completed with three balls to spare.

Player of the Match Hendricks expressed his delight, stating, “Quite pleased to get three figures.

It’s been a while since I reached that milestone, nice to contribute. It’s been a while since we won a series, so that’s obviously very special.”

South Africa’s victory extends their excellent run of form, building on their recent 2-0 Test series triumph over Sri Lanka.

Cricket betting odds had placed South Africa as favorites, and Hendricks’ knock validated that confidence.

The final match of the series, a dead rubber, will take place in Johannesburg on Saturday.

South Africa enters the game as favorites, with Bovada pricing them at -188.68 to claim another victory.

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