Pakistan restricted to 140 runs by disciplined SA despite Babar’s fifty

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A disciplined bowling effort from South Africa left Pakistan struggling as the Men in Green could only manage 140 runs in their allotted overs for the loss of nine wickets in the second T20I between the sides at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Monday.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan were off to a horrible start as opener Mohammad Rizwan attempted a wild slog off the first ball of the match from spinner George Linde and ended up being caught by fielder Aiden Markram for a golden duck.

Explosive opener Sharjeel Khan departed soon after, caught by Markram off the bowling of Linde, scoring just eight runs off 12 balls.

Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez then joined skipper Babar Azam for a 58-run partnership off 49 balls.

Linde however returned to remove Hafeez (32 off 23 balls), caught behind by wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen, as Pakistan searched for quick runs to post a significant total.

South Africa did not allow any batsmen to take a sustained aggressive approach by taking regular wickets.

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Batsman Haider Ali (12 off nine balls) was removed by spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, caught by fielder George Linde. All-rounder Faheem Ashraf departed next, caught by fielder George Linde off the bowling of Lizaad Williams, after scoring five runs off 10 balls.

Hasan Ali came in firing on all cylinders and hit two big sixes before falling on the third ball, caught by fielder George Linde off the bowling of Lizaad Williams.

Babar Azam, who had been holding one end as wickets fell, decided to take a chance and was bowled by pacer Sisanda Magala after scoring 50 runs off 50 balls.

Williams then removed all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz (two off three balls), caught by wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen, as South Africa piled on the pressure.

Tailender Usman Qadir (four off five balls) was removed through a run-out in the last over as Pakistan were restricted to a subpar 140 runs at the end of their allotted overs.

George Linde and Lizaad Williams were the pick of the bowlers for South Africa picking up three wickets each.