Inexperience cost the Proteas in a tight first T20I and they will be hoping for more composure to stay in the fight to win the series.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Pakistan didn’t help themselves in tricky conditions to defend a score first time up but they got the result they needed.
Pakistan vs South Africa | Second T20I | Saturday 13 February 2021 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 15:00
To Win Match
Pakistan: 9/20
Tie: 25/1
South Africa: 17/10
Pakistan
While Mohammad Rizwan’s superb form is a big plus for Pakistan the lack of support he received in the first match was a major concern.
Babar Azam was bizarrely run out early to put the hosts on the back foot but Rizwan powered them to a defendable total albeit one that they only gave them a narrow victory in the end.
Pakistan should be thrilled with the way their spinners put the brakes on the Proteas innings although the longer the match went on, the more difficult it proved to bowl. The dew will be a factor again on Saturday giving the skipper who wins the toss little choice but to bowl first.
Usman Qadir looks to be an asset that Pakistan could use in the T20I arena where quality wrist-spinners are gold.
South Africa
The Proteas might have given a better account of themselves than many expected but still let themselves down with errors at crucial moments.
Reeza Hendricks’ bizarre run out being the worst case of the tourists shooting themselves in the foot. Having made 50, he threw it away by leaving his crease when there was a never a run on.
Questions must be asked about team selection as South Africa used seven bowlers and only gave two overs to Junior Dala, who proved expensive. The Proteas should consider picking an extra batsman.
Tabraiz Shamsi was predictably the Proteas best bowler, as he seems to have been in all their recent T20Is, and he should play a big part yet again on Saturday.
Verdict: Pakistan
South Africa might struggle to get back into the series.
Written by James Richardson. 
