Babar Azam Ducks on Comeback as Pakistan Crushed by South Africa in 1st T20I

South Africa secured a commanding 55-run victory over Pakistan in the first T20I of their three-match series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 28, 2025, posting 194/9 after being sent in to bat and then dismantling the hosts for 139 in 18.1 overs. Reeza Hendricks anchored the innings with a composed 60 off 40 balls (5x4, 1x6), while debutant Tony de Zorzi smashed 33 off 16 and George Linde contributed a brisk 36 off 22 to propel the total despite Mohammad Nawaz's impressive 3/26. A blistering powerplay of 74/1 set the tone, though Pakistan's spinners, including Saim Ayub (2/31), briefly stemmed the flow.

Pakistan's chase crumbled under relentless pressure from South Africa's bowlers, with Corbin Bosch claiming 4/14—his career-best T20I figures—and Linde adding 3/31 to earn Player of the Match honours for his all-round impact. Babar Azam's highly anticipated T20I return after 10 months ended in heartbreak, dismissed for a two-ball duck off Bosch, caught by Hendricks at cover, silencing the 16,000-strong crowd. Saim Ayub top-scored with 37, supported by Nawaz's gritty 36, but frequent wickets—exacerbated by poor strike rotation and dot-ball accumulation—doomed the chase early.

This marked South Africa's first T20I win defending a total at Rawalpindi—Pakistan's third loss there in the format—and only their second victory batting first at the venue, achieved despite resting nine key players, including Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada. Captain Donovan Ferreira praised the "collective effort", while Salman Ali Agha lamented quick wickets and lack of partnerships. The series shifts to Lahore for the second T20I on October 31, where Pakistan seeks redemption ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

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