Pakistan vs. South Africa 1st T20I 20 November,2013.

   

  First T20I between Pakistan and South Africa was played yesterday while the Asians are on a brief 10 days African Safari. Rain delayed the start at Johannesberg which was expected.

      Pakistan won the Toss and elected to Field first as the pitch looked greener as it is used to be. Many of them thought that its gonna be pacer paradise. South Africa moved in making one change in their team i.e. J.P. Duminy was called in for AB de Villiers. On the other hand Pakistan had limited 13 member camp but still they had a company to play with making a few changes. Anwer Ali and Umer Amin were called in, back to the T20I site where as Bilawal Bhatti was on his debute. Pakistan went without Saeed Ajmal giving him a pill of rest. Hashim Amla and Quintn de Kock took South Africa off to a flyer with their 43 and 31 runs respectively. David Miller also played a little cameo of 19 runs followed by 2 Fours and 1 massive SIX. South Africa looked as if they would go 200+ as they were 1/72 in just 7.5 overs but the things were equally well controlled in further half as Pakistan bowlers came back strongly limiting the Proteas to a total of 153 runs/7 wickets. Junaid Khan and Muhammad Hafeez took away 2 important wickets each.

     Pakistan had to achieve a total of 154 runs which was never a difficult one under such a lightening outfield. Pakistan looked firm right from the start. Despite the loss of 2 wickets, Pakistan were 60-1 in 9.1 overs. Pakistan started to get regular boundaries but just when they were looking to pump their run rate rain came in destroying the whole craze. The showers were so heavy that the players had to move off. At that moment Pakistan were 4 runs below D/L par score. Rain decided to conquer Johannesberg and didn't go away. As a result match was finished in favor of the Proteas giving South Africa a 4 runs victory through D/L method.....Quinton de Kock was awarded the Man of the Match for his 43 runs just off 33 balls.

.     South Africa lead the 2 match series by 1-0.

           Shatters still remain unbroken on the Pakistan site which were just looking to move away. Nonetheless here still a match to go between the two greens at Cape Town. Lets see if Pakistan can do what is not happening currently or the Protean dominance continues.