SA VS PAK 1ST T20I

Right then, South Africa delivered the first blow in a seesaw battle in Durban and snapped their 3-game losing streak against the Asian side in the format. Can Pakistan respond with a counterpunch? Only time will tell. The action now shifts to Centurion, where the second T20I is set to take place on Friday, 13th December, at 4 pm GMT. We will be here nice and early for all the build-up and excitement. Until then, take care and see you soon. Cheers!

The captain of South Africa, Heinrich Klaasen says that it wasn't a great performance but he is glad that a couple of guys stepped up. Mentions that he is happy that they as a team didn't bomb up under pressure. Tells that he is happy with the way youngsters bowled under pressure and George Linde was fantastic. Hopes that Linde can continue in the same fashion.

Mohammad Rizwan, the skipper of Pakistan, says that Miller and Linde's innings cost them. Adds that they had wickets early on but they failed to capitalise on it. He further says that their bowlers made proper use of the conditions and were excellent. Ends by saying that they fought well and will look to bounce back.

George Linde is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his all-round brilliance, scoring 48 runs off 24 balls and having figures of 4 for 21 from his 4 overs. He says that it was almost a perfect comeback there and is pleased with everything that happened in the game. Further mentions that he has played quite a lot of cricket this season and tried to stay calm with both bat and ball. About the hat-trick he says, he was ecstatic after the umpire gave it out but knew that it was going down leg when he saw the replays but is happy with the 4 wickets. Concludes by saying that he tried to stay calm and positive and looked to do the job for the team. Shares that he missed the bus for coming to the ground and the police escorted him.

The presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, South Africa opted to bat first but found themselves in early trouble as their top order crumbled within the first four overs. Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller attempted to steady the innings, but Klaasen's dismissal cut short their budding partnership. Miller continued to attack but his dismissal left the Proteas teetering. Facing the risk of being bowled out inside 20 overs, George Linde stepped up with a crucial late blitz to propel the Proteas to 183 which looked unlikely when they were 141/8 with 4 overs left. For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi stood out with figures of 3 for 22 in his four overs, while Abrar Ahmed also claimed three wickets, albeit at a higher cost.

With 73 runs required off the last 5 overs, the acceleration eventually came from Rizwan, and when the 17th over went for 24 runs, Pakistan found themselves right back in the contest. However, following the trend of the game, the pendulum swung back in South Africa's favour as Linde struck a crucial triple blow in the following over. He nearly completed a hat-trick, but Haris Rauf successfully overturned the LBW decision on the hat-trick ball. Rizwan continued to fight, and it came down to needing 19 runs off the final over. Maphaka, putting that 24-run over behind him, kept his composure to dismiss Rizwan and effectively seal the win for South Africa.

Chasing 184, Pakistan faced an early blow as Babar Azam fell for a duck. Saim Ayub got off the blocks quickly and made the Powerplay count, taking the tourists to 55/1 at the end of 6 overs. However, his dismissal triggered a slowdown as South Africa's spin twins, Nqabayomzi Peter and George Linde tightened the noose in the middle overs. It was a real struggle out there for captain Mohammad Rizwan for most of his innings. With the required rate climbing, the batters at the other end had to take risks and they perished in the process.

A hard-fought win for South Africa sees them draw first blood in the series! They displayed remarkable resilience with both bat and ball, finding ways to claw back into the game despite challenging moments. On the other hand, Pakistan squandered their chances from advantageous positions, allowing the Proteas to seize control and ultimately claim victory.

Too full, outside off, Haris Rauf drives it to extra cover for one. South Africa beat Pakistan by 11 runs!

Too full, on middle and leg, Sufiyan Muqeem drags it towards long on for a single.

Kwena Maphaka follows the batter down leg, Sufiyan Muqeem shuffles across and lifts it over the bowler's head for a brace. 14 needed off 2 balls for Pakistan. 2 legal deliveries will do it for South Africa.

Fuller one, on off, Sufiyan Muqeem swings hard. Gets it off the outside edge as the ball goes over backward point. They collect two runs.

Sufiyan Muqeem comes in now.

OUT! CAUGHT! That should be the game for South Africa! Kwena Maphaka bowls a shorter one, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan swivels and looks to pull it but gets a top edge. The ball goes up in the air towards short third. Nqabayomzi Peter settles under it and completes the catch. A fighting innings from Mohammad Rizwan comes to an end. Pakistan need 18 runs off 4 balls.

OUT! CAUGHT! That should be the game for South Africa! Kwena Maphaka bowls a shorter one, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan swivels and looks to pull it but gets a top edge. The ball goes up in the air towards short third. Nqabayomzi Peter settles under it and completes the catch. A fighting innings from Mohammad Rizwan comes to an end. Pakistan need 18 runs off 4 balls.

Too full, on middle, Haris Rauf digs it towards long on for one. Mohammad Rizwan on strike now! He has 5 balls to get his side over the line now!

Kwena Maphaka has been given the task of bowling the final over with Pakistan needing 19 runs from 6 balls. The young left-arm speedster has gone for 32 runs so far from his 3 overs. Can he hold his nerves and see South Africa home here?