The first T20 between Pakistan and South Africa took place last night in Dubai. Statistics show that Pakistan have won 6 of their previous 7 T20s, and only one was a no result. So Pakistan seems to be on top of their game when it comes to T20s.
Pakistan won toss and chose to bat. Unfortunately, Pakistan got off to a terrible start, losing 3 early wickets for only 4 runs.
Before the start of the match, Robin Jackman said it takes just one man to get the job done. For Pakistan that man turned out to be Umar Akmal, scoring 49 runs off 41 balls.
However, while Pakistan were struggling to score runs, the Proteas were struggling with their over rate.
Eventually Pakistan could only manage 98 runs for the loss of 9 wickets, with four of their batsmen dismissed for a duck.
The lowest total successfully defended by Pakistan was 122 vs Sri Lanka in 2012. Unless the Proteas were going to tumble like Pakistan, defending 98 runs seemed impossible for the hosts.
To win the Proteas needed 99 runs from 120 balls at 4.95 runs per over.
Amla and de Kock opened the batting for the Proteas. Amla tried to push the runs for South Africa and at one point was dropped on 0 by Maqsood but was later dismissed by Tanvir for 13 runs.
After Amla's wicket, de Kock and skipper du Plessis shared a partnership of 83 runs from 73 balls to lead the Proteas to victory. They reached the required total of 99 runs in only 14.3 overs.
The Proteas beat Pakistan by 9 wickets and lead the 2 match series 1-0.
Now both teams look to the 2nd and final T20 on Friday, also to be played in Dubai. Which will also be the last match of the tour.
