Reeza Hendricks Smashes 117 as South Africa Clinch Series Against Pakistan

Reeza Hendricks's maiden T20I hundred paved the way for a crushing 7-wicket triumph for South Africa in the second T20I on Friday, December 13 over Pakistan at Centurion. With this win, South Africa won their first bilateral T20I series win since August 2022 as they successfully chased one of the biggest-ever totals at SuperSport Park. This was a result that ended an eight-series drought for South Africa since a win over Ireland had also come more than two years back. It was also a significant achievement for Rob Walter as it marked his first T20I series win as the white-ball coach of South Africa since taking up the position in March 2023.

South Africa was asked to field first, and South Africa conceded the fifth-biggest total ever in the first innings at SuperSport Park, but they still chased down the runs within three balls of the last delivery. A brilliant 157-run partnership off just 83 balls for the third wicket between Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen anchored the chase. Van der Dussen also went through his seventh T20I half-century while closing down the game with Heinrich Klaasen on whom he hit the last couple of runs to seal the game.

South Africa Clinch Series with a Close Win

Pakistan used slower balls in their bowling but they lost control of the game earlier. Having scored over 200 runs, the momentum dipped at a very crucial stage. At 103 for 1 after 11 overs, they added only 33 runs and lost three wickets in the next five overs. This was due to sharp bowling by debutant Dayyaan Galiem and spinner George Linde. Pakistan's innings was strengthened by two good partnerships: 87 runs between Babar Azam and Saim Ayub, and then a quick 73-run stand between Ayub and Irfan Khan for the fifth wicket.

Dayyaan Galiem had an eventful debut. He wasn't to bowl but took the injured Anrich Nortje's place. His 2 for 21 in four overs consisted of 12 dot balls. He claimed his first international wicket in the dismissal of Usman Khan and then a caught-and-bowled cleverly took out Tayyab Tahir. Apart from a dropped catch, Galiem had an encouraging debut.

Saim Ayub made the most of his best T20I score of 98 not out, missing his first century by just one run. He started slowly but soon began to attack the bowlers with big shots, including several sixes off Kwena Maphaka. Ayub reached his fifty in 33 balls and looked set for a hundred but faced only six balls in the last three overs, missing his chance.

Jahandad Khan playing in place of Sufiyan Muqeem, struck early for Pakistan. He dismissed Ryan Rickelton and Matthew Breetzke leaving South Africa reeling at 28 for 2 in four overs.

Reeza Hendricks, who was axed from the ODI squad, responded with a magnificent knock. He started well, then hammered seven fours and 10 sixes to score 117 off 63 balls. He took just 54 balls to reach his century and placed South Africa on the path to victory. When he got out, they required only 21 runs, which they chased down with three balls remaining.

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