New Delhi: South Africa all-rounder George Linde had an eventful outing at the Kingsmead in Durban on Wednesday as he missed the team bus before producing his best-ever all-round performance to help the Proteas beat Pakistan by 11 runs in the 1st T20I. Linde revealed he wanted to do a bit extra for the team after missing the bus and did exactly that as he helped the Proteas go 1-0 up in the three-match series against the visitors.
Ahead of the game, Linde missed the team bus to Kingsmead as he was late and had to take the help of a police escort to eventually catch up and reach the venue on time for the game. However, his selection in the playing XI was not affected by his antics as he still managed to make the cut and the decision proved to be a game-changing one for the hosts.
Linde smashed a quickfire 48 off just 24 balls with the bat after coming out to bat at no.7 to propel South Africa to a strong total of 183 runs on the board, batting first in the game. He followed it up with a brilliant bowling spell as he ended up bagging a 4-wicket haul to help South Africa restrict Pakistan to 172/8 and clinch a comfortable victory.
Three of Linde’s four wickets came in a single over as he dismissed Shaheen Shah Afridi, Irfan Khan and Abbas Afridi inside five deliveries in the 18th over. The left-arm spinner finished with excellent figures of 4/21 off his 4 overs to register his best-ever all-round performance in a T20I for South Africa. Linde’s all-round heroics combined with David Miller’s stellar knock helped the Proteas sink Pakistan in the series opener.
Mohammad Rizwan leaves it too late for Pakistan
Opting to bat first, South Africa got off to a stuttering start as they were reduced to 28/3 in 4 overs after losing their top three cheaply. However, Miller slammed a brilliant knock of 82 runs off just 40 balls laced with 8 sixes and 4 fours to get the Proteas’ innings back on track. Linde added the finishing touches with his 24-ball 48 to help South Africa post 183 runs on the board.
In reply, Pakistan failed to chase down the target of 184 runs despite a 74-run knock from skipper Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan left it too late to up the ante as his sluggish knock ended up costing Pakistan the game. The Pakistan captain completed his fifty off 50 balls before switching gears but his 62-ball 74 went in vain as Pakistan ended up falling short in the chase.
South Africa all-rounder George Linde produced his best display in a T20I to help the Proteas beat Pakistan by 11 runs in the 1st T20I of the three-match series between the two sides on Wednesday. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
