CENTURION: Pakistan’s white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan attributed the seven-wicket defeat against South Africa in the second T20I of the three-match series to the team’s inexperience.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Rizwan praised Saim Ayub for his exceptional performance but highlighted the key moments that turned the game in the Proteas’ favor.
“Saim Ayub was exceptional but after 10 overs, we lost our way. The middle order is a work in progress. We have an inexperienced team. We were targeting 220+ overs but their bowlers performed brilliantly in the last four overs, ” said Rizwan.
The captain also praised Irfan Niazi, who showed his potential as a power hitter.
“Irfan Niazi is one of the guys we look for for powerful batting. We hope he continues to do well. We have one more game and despite the results, we love cricket and are looking forward to playing tomorrow,” he added.
Rizwan also recognized the match-winning century of Reeza Hendricks, who played a key role in South Africa’s chase.
“He (Reeza Hendricks) played really well,” he said.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted a competitive 206/5 in their 20 overs thanks to an unbeaten knock from Saim Ayub.
The left-hander dazzled with an unbeaten 57-ball 98, laced with 11 boundaries and five sixes.
He formed a crucial 73-run partnership with Muhammad Irfan Khan, who contributed 16-ball 30s.
Irfan’s dismissal in the final saw Abbas Afridi add a quickfire 11 in four balls before the end of Pakistan’s innings, leaving Saim two runs short of a well-deserved century.
In response, South Africa chased down the target in 19.3 overs, powered by Reeza Hendricks’ magnificent 117 off 63 balls, which included seven boundaries and 10 sixes.
Reeza was ably supported by Rassie van der Dussen in a 157-run stand for the third wicket.
Van der Dussen remained unbeaten on 59 off 39 balls and sealed victory with a six from Abbas Afridi in the final over.
South Africa now lead the three-match T20I series 2-0, with the final game scheduled for today in Johannesburg.