Top 5 Pakistan vs South Africa T20 matches

Pakistan vs South Africa T20I series of three-match will be starting as of today in Lahore.

Both teams will be looking to win and gain confidence as the upcoming ICC tournament, the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, is coming near. The tournament will be held in India and there is no better place for either side to practice in the subcontinent.

Let us look at the top five encounters between Pakistan and South Africa in the international cricket’s shortest format of the game.

1. ICC World T20 2009, semi-final 1

In an all-important final of the ICC World T20 2009, which was held in England, Pakistan and South Africa faced off against each other. Elected to bat first, Pakistan managed only 149-4 in a good pitch for batting. Shahid Afridi was the star performer as he scored 51 from 34 balls.

Chasing 150 for their first-ever final in the ICC World T20, South Africa started off really well. They were 40 for no loss. But Mohammad Amir struck to give a breakthrough and South Africa lost quick wickets. Shahid Afridi picked two wickets in his spell of 2-16 in four overs. JP Duminy (44*) kept the side in the game. But a brilliant death bowling saw South Africa lost the match by seven runs.

Shahid Afridi was awarded the “Man of the Match” for his all-round performance.

2. Pakistan tour of South Africa, only T20I, 2007

The first-ever T20I match between the side. Pakistan toured South Africa and they played their first T20I game. It was the only T20I game in the tour in 2007.

Pakistan batted first and they managed a well below 129-8 in their completed overs. Mohammad Hafeez top-scored with 25 for Pakistan while Alfonso Thomas picked 3-25 for South Africa.

Chasing a very small total, South Africa chased the target down with utter ease. Captain Graeme Smith (71*) and Loots Bosman (53*) made a mockery of the chase. Loots Bosman was awarded the Player of the Match for his quick fifty.

3. ICC World T20 2010, group stage

Another Pakistan and South Africa in the ICC World T20 tournament, this time in the West Indies in 2010. Batting first, Pakistan posted 148-7 largely thanks to Akmal brothers scores and a quick captain’s knock. Umar Akmal (51) and Kamran Akmal (37) top-scored for their side while Shahid Afridi (30) scored a handy quick runs in the end.

South Africa were restricted to 137-7 with AB de Villiers top-scored 51. Saeed Ajmal’s 4-26 did not let South Africa win the game. This game was important for Pakistan as winning this game meant they qualified for the semi-finals.

Umar Akmal was awarded the Player of the Match.

4. South Africa tour of UAE, 2nd T20I, 2013

South Africa toured UAE for full series. They won the first T20I game against Pakistan and they were playing the second game. South Africa batted first and put on 150-5 in their 20 overs. Faf du Plessis (58*), Hashim Amla (48) and Quinton de Kock (30) top-scored for the side.

Pakistan were 75-3 in the 10th over and they needed further 75 runs from the final 60 balls of the innings. However, Pakistan suffered a massive collapse. They went from 75-3 to 139-9. They lost 6 wickets for 64 runs and they lost the match by 6 runs, losing the series in the process.

5. ICC World T20 2012, group stage

Yet another ICC World T20 match between Pakistan and South Africa. But this was one game where South Africa would question themselves on how they lost it. Batting first, South Africa posted 133-6 with only JP Duminy top-scored with 48. Pakistan spinners were on top on the South African team.

Chasing a good total on a spin surface, Pakistan found themselves on a horrid position. They were 76-7 and they were almost down and out. What was followed was Umar Gul’s finest innings with the bat. He smashed 32 runs from 17 balls with three towering sixes. His innings along with Umar Akmal’s unbeaten 43 powered Pakistan to thrilling two wickets victory.

Umar Gul was undoubtedly the Man of the Match.

Which was your favourite Pakistan vs South Africa match?

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