Pakistan beat South Africa by 4 wickets, become first men’s team to register 100 T20I wins

Pakistan become the first men’s team to reach a century of wins in the shortest format of the game

Babar Azam-led Pakistan scripted history on Sunday evening as they defeated South Africa in the final T20I of the three-match series by 4 wickets to register 100th win in the shortest format of the game. They became the first men’s team to reach a century of T20I victories.

Pakistan defeat South Africa by 4 wickets (Twitter)

Put to bat first, South Africa ran into early trouble in the batting powerplay when left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz removed in-form Reeza Hendricks and Jon-Jon Smuts in his first two overs.

Pite van Biljon (16) struck three successive boundaries in Hasan’s first over before he was undone by the fast bowler’s slower delivery as South Africa slipped to 41-3 in six overs.

Mahmood, one of three changes for Pakistan, could have got three wickets in his first over had an lbw decision against Phehlukwayo not been overturned.

He baffled the Proteas with his legspinners and sharp googlies as captain Heinrich Klaasen top-edged a sweep for a duck and Janneman Malan (27) was trapped lbw off the back foot.

But Miller added 41 runs with Bjorn Fortuin (10) before cutting loose in the last four overs to lift South Africa's total.

Miller slammed 7 sixes and 5 boundaries during his innings but lacked a solid support from the other end. Riding on his quick-fire knock, the visitors posted 164 for 8 in their quota of 20 overs.

In reply, Pakistan overcame Miller's 45-ball 85 to beat South Africa by four wickets and clinch the series 2-1.

Player of the series, wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan (42), and Haider Ali (15) provided Pakistan with a brisk start of 51 off 37 balls before Shamsi removed both batsmen in his first two overs.

Babar, who scored 0 and 5 in the previous two matches, demoted himself to No. 3 and held the innings together before Shami returned and claimed the wickets of Hussain Talat and Asif Ali.

Shamsi grabbed 4-25 in a game dominated by spinners, but Pakistan's lower order hung in to reach 169-6 with eight balls to spare.

Hasan Ali (20 not out) raised the victory with two sixes and a four against Andile Phehlukwayo as seamers again found it difficult to grip the wet ball because of dew.

Pakistan beat South Africa 2-0 in the test series before completing the double by handing the Proteas its first defeat in a T20 series in Asia.

After winning the T20I series 2-1, Pakistan captain said, "The focus was on partnerships and take the game deep. Players coming through from domestic cricket. Our youngsters and those making a comeback are giving 100 percent. The plan was to utilise powerplay by promoting Haider Ali. Want to thank the crowd for backing us. Want to thank South Africa as well for coming here."

(With Agency Inputs