Hendricks’ century secures series win for South Africa over Pakistan

KATHMANDU: Opener Reeza Hendricks’ brilliant century helped South Africa defeat Pakistan in the second T20I on Friday, clinching the series ahead of the final game.

Chasing a target of 207 runs, South Africa secured victory by 7 wickets, reaching 207/3 in 19.3 overs.

Hendricks led the charge with an outstanding 117 runs off 63 balls, hitting 7 fours and 10 sixes. He was caught by Irfan Khan off Abbas Afridi’s bowling in the 18th over.

Hendricks built a crucial 157-run partnership for the third wicket with Rassie van der Dussen, who contributed an unbeaten 66 runs off 38 balls, including 3 fours and 5 sixes. Van der Dussen and Heinrich Klaasen added an unbroken 25-run stand for the fourth wicket. Klaasen remained not out on 8 runs off 5 balls.

For Pakistan, Zaman Khan took 2 wickets, while Abbas Afridi claimed 1.

Earlier, Pakistan, having won the toss and chosen to bat, posted 206/5 in their 20 overs. Young opener Saim Ayub top-scored with 98 runs off 57 balls, hitting 11 fours and 5 sixes.

Captain Babar Azam added 31 runs off 20 balls, while Irfan Khan contributed a quick 30 off 16 deliveries.

Mohammad Rizwan scored 11, and Abbas Afridi finished not out on 11 runs off 4 balls.

For South Africa, Ottniel Baartman and Dayaan Galiem took 2 wickets each, while George Linde picked up 1.

In the first T20I, South Africa won by 11 runs. The third and final match is scheduled for Saturday.