Introduction
In the second T20I match against South Africa, Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s premier fast bowler, was forced to leave the field due to injury. Despite the setback, Afridi initially completed his 4-over spell before receiving treatment. Unfortunately, Pakistan suffered a 7-wicket defeat, with South Africa taking a 2-0 lead in the series. This article details the events surrounding Afridi’s injury, the match highlights, and the impact on Pakistan’s performance, alongside a look ahead to the final match in Johannesburg.
Shaheen Afridi’s Injury During the Second T20I
In a crucial encounter in Centurion, Shaheen Afridi faced a painful blow while bowling his second delivery in the 17th over of South Africa’s chase. As the ball was struck by South African batter Rassie van der Dussen, Afridi took a hard hit to the bone between his neck and shoulder. This injury caused visible discomfort, but Afridi showed great resilience by completing his over.
Despite his injury, Afridi’s decision to complete his spell demonstrated his commitment to his team. However, after the over, he was seen leaving the field immediately for medical attention.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet provided an official statement on Afridi’s condition. However, sources indicate that the pacer may be rested for the third T20I due to the injury, which has become a concern ahead of Pakistan’s last chance to salvage the series.
Match Recap: South Africa Wins by 7 Wickets
In the second T20I, Pakistan batted first and posted a competitive total of 206/5 in 20 overs. Saim Ayub played a crucial role with an exceptional knock of 98 runs, including 11 boundaries and 5 sixes. His innings, along with a solid partnership with Babar Azam, was instrumental in putting up a strong total on the board. Despite Ayub’s remarkable performance, Pakistan’s batting was marred by early setbacks and middle-order collapses, leaving them with a score that was not enough to secure a win.
South Africa’s Response
South Africa, chasing a target of 207, found themselves at 2-24 after a brilliant spell by Pakistan’s Jahandad Khan, who dismissed both Ryan Rickelton and Matthew Breetzke early in the powerplay. However, Reeza Hendricks played a match-changing knock, leading South Africa’s recovery. Hendricks, who scored a blistering 117 runs off 63 balls, guided South Africa to victory with the help of an unbroken partnership with Rassie van der Dussen.
Hendricks reached his first-ever T20I century in just 54 balls, smashing 7 fours and 10 sixes. Despite losing Hendricks in the 18th over, South Africa was in a commanding position. Van der Dussen, who remained unbeaten with 66 runs, helped South Africa finish the chase with three balls to spare, securing a 7-wicket victory.
Pakistan’s Bowling Performance: Missed Opportunities
Pakistan’s bowlers, while initially in control, failed to capitalize on the early breakthroughs. Haris Rauf, despite his pace and aggression, conceded 57 runs in his 4-over spell. Abbas Afridi, although he took the vital wicket of Hendricks, went for 46 runs in 3.3 overs. Afridi’s efforts couldn’t stem the tide of runs as the South African pair dominated the middle overs.
Shaheen Afridi, who had earlier looked promising, finished his 4 overs without taking any wickets, conceding 37 runs. His inability to pick up wickets during the chase left Pakistan with limited options in the latter stages of the game.
Batting Setbacks and Recovery
Pakistan’s batting lineup faced early challenges as Muhammad Rizwan, who had been in form, was dismissed for just 11 runs. This left the team on the backfoot early in their innings. However, Saim Ayub and Babar Azam formed an 87-run partnership that revitalized Pakistan’s innings. Ayub’s 50 came off just 28 balls, and he was instrumental in Pakistan reaching 100 runs by the 11th over.
After Azam’s departure for 31 runs, the middle order struggled to capitalize on the strong start. Usman Khan and Tayyab Tahir fell quickly, with debutant Dayyaan Galiem dismissing both batters. Despite this, Ayub continued to dominate, building a crucial partnership with Irfan Khan, who made a valuable contribution of 30 runs.
Ayub’s remarkable knock of 98 runs saw him narrowly miss out on his maiden T20I century. His performance was the highlight of Pakistan’s innings, but unfortunately, it was not enough to defend the total.
Looking Ahead: Third T20I and Pakistan’s Strategy
With the series now at 2-0 in South Africa’s favor, Pakistan faces a must-win situation in the third T20I. The final match, which is scheduled to be played in Johannesburg, will be a do-or-die game for the Green Shirts. Shaheen Afridi’s injury and the loss in the second T20I have left the team with many questions to answer.
Pakistan will need to regroup and focus on tightening their bowling performance, especially in the death overs. Additionally, the team will have to ensure that their top and middle-order batters remain consistent, as they will need a strong total to challenge the Proteas.
FAQs
- What caused Shaheen Afridi’s injury in the second T20?
- Shaheen Afridi sustained a blow to the bone between his neck and shoulder while bowling his second delivery in the 17th over.
- How did Shaheen Afridi perform before the injury?
- Afridi bowled 4 overs, conceding 37 runs but did not pick up any wickets.
- What was the outcome of the second T20I match?
- South Africa won by 7 wickets, taking a 2-0 lead in the series.
- Who was the standout player for Pakistan in the second T20I?
- Saim Ayub was the standout player, scoring a blistering 98 runs off 60 balls.
- What is at stake for Pakistan in the third T20I?
- Pakistan must win the third T20I to stay alive in the series and avoid a clean sweep.
Conclusion
The second T20I between Pakistan and South Africa was filled with drama and key moments, including Shaheen Afridi’s unfortunate injury. While the Green Shirts faced defeat, they have an opportunity to level the series in the third match. With a few tactical adjustments, Pakistan will hope to put up a strong fight in Johannesburg.
Playing XI
- Pakistan: Muhammad Rizwan (C), Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Abrar Ahmed.
- South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Reeza Hendricks, Matthew Breetzke, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen (C), Donovan Ferreeia, George Linde, Dayyaan Galiem (on debut), Nqaba Peter, Kwena Maphaka, Ottneil Baartman.
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