JOHANNESBURG: The third and final T20I between Pakistan and South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium was abandoned due to persistent rain, handing the Proteas a 2-0 series victory.
Despite high expectations of an exciting conclusion to the series, the match was interrupted by continuous light to heavy rain and lightning, which prevented the draw from taking place.
As the weather worsened throughout the day, it became clear that it would not be possible to play.
This marks Mohammad Rizwan’s second T20I series defeat as Pakistan captain, the first being a 3-0 series defeat to Australia in November.
The hosts emerged victorious in the first two matches, played in Durban and Centurion.
In the series opener, South Africa posted a formidable 183/9 in their innings, with explosive performances from David Miller and all-rounder George Linde.
Miller contributed 82 runs in 40 deliveries, which included four boundaries and eight sixes.
Linde followed up with a brilliant cameo, scoring 48 runs off 24 balls, featuring three boundaries and four sixes.
Pakistan’s response left them restricted to 172/8, with Rizwan top-scoring with 72 runs off 64 balls, including five boundaries and three sixes.
Saim Ayub added a valuable 31 runs off 15 balls but Pakistan’s middle order collapsed and they lost the match by 11 runs.
In the second T20I, Pakistan posted 206/5, driven by an exceptional knock from Saim Ayub, who scored 98 off 57 balls, including eleven boundaries and five sixes.
Irfan Niazi also played a key role, contributing 30 runs in 16 balls, while Abbas Afridi added 11 runs in four balls.
However, South Africa comfortably chased down the target, losing just three wickets in 19.3 overs.
Reeza Hendricks was the star with a match-winning century, scoring 117 runs in 63 balls, which included seven boundaries and 10 sixes.
Rassie van der Dussen remained unbeaten on 66 runs off 38 balls, guiding his team to victory.
With the T20I series complete, both teams will shift their focus to the upcoming ODI series, with the first match scheduled for December 17 at Boland Park, Paarl.
