PAK vs SA 2025: Pakistan vs South Africa Highlights & Result – 1st T20I

Who won Pakistan vs South Africa 1st T20I today? — Match result & turning points

South Africa stunned Pakistan with a comfortable 55-run victory in the first T20I at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. After being asked to bat first, the visitors posted 194/9, thanks to Reeza Hendricks’ half-century and a late cameo from George Linde. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, South Africa’s top and lower orders contributed enough to keep the scoreboard ticking.

In reply, Pakistan never looked in the hunt. Babar Azam’s much-awaited T20I return ended in a two-ball duck, while the middle order failed to contribute. Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz gave some fight, but wickets fell too frequently as South Africa’s bowling attack, including Corbin Bosch (4/14) and Linde (3/31), dismantled the hosts for 139 in 18.1 overs. Notably, Linde’s double strike in the middle overs and Bosch’s spell broke Pakistan’s backbone. The victory recorded a strong performance from South Africa’s so-called “second-string” unit.

Top batting performances of the match — Reeza Hendricks

Reeza Hendricks was the anchor of South Africa’s innings, smashing 60 off 40 balls to give a strong start for the visitors’ total. Opening the innings, he partnered with Tony de Zorzi to stabalize South Africa after Quinton de Kock’s poor start, guiding them to 93/2 within eight overs. Hendricks brought up his fifty in just 33 balls, and laced his knock with five boundaries and a six.

Best bowling spells — George Linde

All-rounder Zakary Foulkes, who was playing his second ODI, bagged a four-wicket haul in his even over spell. Foulkes, conceding 41 runs, got the better of Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, and Sam Curran. His bowling efforts were instrumental in helping New Zealand pick early wickets and eventually bowl them out at 223.

Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved

South Africa became the first team to win a T20I batting first in Rawalpindi, breaking a streak of successful chases at the venue. Notably, nine games have been played at this venue, with all teams bowling first winning the contest. Furthermore, two games have ended without a result.

Who was the Player of the Match?

The Player of the Match award went to George Linde for his all-round performance. Linde first provided a much-needed push into South Africa’s innings, smashing 36 off just 22 deliveries, including four boundaries and a six. With the ball, Linde dismantled Pakistan’s middle order with figures of 3 for 31.

What is the next match?

The second T20I between Pakistan and South Africa will be played on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. With South Africa leading the series 1-0, Pakistan will look to bounce back strongly and keep the three-match series alive.