Reeza Hendricks’ magnificent maiden T20I century led South Africa to a commanding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan, securing their first bilateral T20I series win since August 2022.

Chasing 207, Hendricks smashed 117 off 63 balls, featuring 10 sixes and seven fours, anchoring the third-highest successful chase at SuperSport Park. He shared a match-winning 157-run stand with Rassie van der Dussen, who remained unbeaten on 66, hitting the winning runs with three balls to spare.  

Pakistan’s innings was powered by a spectacular unbeaten 98 from Saim Ayub, supported by Babar Azam (31) and Irfan Khan (30), as they posted 206 for 5. However, Dayyaan Galiem’s impressive debut spell of 2 for 21 and George Linde’s tidy overs restricted further damage.  

Despite early blows from Jahandad Khan, who claimed 2 for 40, South Africa’s experienced duo of Hendricks and van der Dussen guided the hosts to victory, ending their eight-series drought and giving coach Rob Walter his first T20I series win.  

South Africa and Pakistan will face off in the final T20I of the series on 14 December in Johannesburg. With the series already in the bag, South Africa will aim for a clean sweep. Meanwhile, Pakistan will look to secure a consolation win.

Teams:

Pakistan (Playing XI): Mohammad Rizwan (wk/c), Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

South Africa (Playing XI): Ryan Rickelton (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Matthew Breetzke, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen (c), Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Dayyaan Galiem, Nqabayomzi Peter, Kwena Maphaka, Ottneil Baartman