South Africa clinch T20 series against Pakistan as rain cancels third match – SUCH TV
The third and final T20I between Pakistan and South Africa at Wanderers Stadium was abandoned due to persistent rain, handing Proteas a 2-0 series victory.
Despite high expectations for an exciting conclusion to the series, the match was disrupted by continuous light to heavy rainfall and lightning strikes, which prevented the toss from taking place.
As the weather worsened throughout the day, it became clear that no play would be possible.
This marks Mohammad Rizwan’s second T20I series defeat as Pakistan’s captain, the first being a whitewash 3-0 series loss to Australia in November.
The hosts emerged victorious in both of the first two matches, held 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 a blistering 82 runs from 40 deliveries, which included four boundaries and eight sixes.
Linde followed with a brilliant cameo, scoring 48 runs from 24 balls, featuring three boundaries and four sixes.
Pakistan’s reply saw 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 from 15 balls, but Pakistan’s middle order collapsed, and they lost the match by 11 runs.
In the second T20I, Pakistan posted 206/5, powered by an exceptional knock from Saim Ayub, who scored 98 not out from 57 balls, including eleven boundaries and five sixes.
Irfan Niazi also played a key role, contributing 30 runs from 16 balls, while Abbas Afridi added 11 runs from 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 from 63 balls, which included seven boundaries and 10 sixes.
Rassie van der Dussen remained unbeaten on 66 runs from 38 balls, guiding his side to victory.
With the T20I series now concluded, both teams will shift their focus to the upcoming ODI series, with the first match scheduled for December 17 at Boland Park, Paarl.
