Photo Courtesy: Cricket South Africa/Twitter

South Africa defeated Pakistan by six runs in the first game of the three-match T20I series in Cape Town on Friday.

Proteas lead the series by 1-0.

Pakistan’s decision to bowl came back to haunt them as their bowlers were dominated from the get go.

Proteas openers Reeza Hendricks and Gihahn Cloete put on a 26-run stand on the first wicket before the latter fell after scoring 13 off 12 balls with two boundaries to his name.

Skipper Faf du Plessis and Reeza Hendricks put on 131 for the second wicket partnership before both men were dismissed in their 70s.

Du Plessis made 78 off 45 while Hendricks made 74 off 41.

Usman Shinwari’s three-wicket haul managed to restrict the hosts below the total of 200. Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf finished with a wicket each as well.

In chase of a mammoth target of 193 runs, the Pakistan side lost Fakhar Zaman who was dismissed on the third delivery after scoring just four runs.

Babar Azam and Hussain Talat steadied the side in the run chase as they put on 81-run stand for the second wicket before Talat went back into the pavilion after scoring 40 off 32 balls with five boundaries.

Pakistan loss their third wicket on the score of 93 as Babar Azam fell after scoring 38 off 27 deliveries.

Skipper Shoaib Malik tried to take control of the sinking ship but all he could do was watch wickets tumble at the other end. The middle-order couldn’t provide much resistance to the South African bowlers.

David Miller was the highlight in the field as he took four catches and played a role in two run outs.

The second T20I will be played in Johannesburg on Sunday.

LIVE SCORE

Pakistan Innings

Match Summary!
South Africa win the first #SAvPAK T20I by 6 runs.
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/p35GxHMrUs pic.twitter.com/MQpyiY4zi7

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) February 1, 2019

Over 20: Pakistan 186-9 (lose by six runs)
Bowler: Chris Morris (1-1b-W-4-2-1)

The first T20I between South Africa and Pakistan ends with the hosts clinching a narrow six-wicket victory in the three-match series opener. Chris Morris held his nerve to defend 16 runs in the last over of the innings.

OUT! Shoaib Malik c Miller b Chris Morris 49(31). Live Updates: https://t.co/p35GxHMrUs #SAvPAK

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) February 1, 2019

WICKET: Shoaib Malik c David Miller b Chris Morris 49 (31b 5×4 1×6)

Over 19: Pakistan 177-8 (require 16 runs to win)
Bowler: Junior Dala (2-0-4-2-4-1)

Pakistan have to go for it now. This match is going to the wire

Over 18: Pakistan 164-8 (require 29 runs to win)
Bowler: Beuran Hendricks (1-1-6-2-2-W)

Pakistan just about stay in the game with a 12-run over but Hasan Ali falls off its last ball.

OUT! Hasan Ali c Miller b Hendricks 11(5). Pakistan: 164/8 (18 ov). Live Updates: https://t.co/p35GxHMrUs #SAvPAK

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) February 1, 2019

WICKET: Hasan Ali c David Miller b Beuran Hendricks 11 (5b 0x4 1×6)

Over 17: Pakistan 152-7 (require 41 runs to win)
Bowler: Andile Phehlukwayo (W-1-1-1-4-1+W)

Phehlukwayo does the job for South Africa once again in superb over; just eight runs and two wickets coming in it.

OUT! M Rizwan run out (Miller) 2(2). Pakistan: 152/7 (17 ov). Live Updates: https://t.co/p35GxHMrUs #SAvPAK

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) February 1, 2019

WICKET: Mohammad Rizwan run out 2 (2b 0x4 0x6)

OUT! Faheem Ashraf c Klaasen b Phehlukwayo 8(7). Pakistan: 144/6 (16.1 ov). Live Updates: https://t.co/p35GxHMrUs #SAvPAK

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) February 1, 2019

WICKET: Faheem Ashraf c Klaasen b Phehlukwayo 8 (7b 0x4 1×6)

Over 16: Pakistan 144-5 (require 49 runs to win)
Bowler: Tabraiz Shamsi (0-2-6-2-1-1)

Good over for Pakistan as 12 runs come off it.

Over 15: Pakistan 132-5 (require 61 runs to win)

Six off the last ball keeps Pakistan in the game but they need something drastic here.

Over 14: Pakistan 118-5 (require 75 runs to win)

Pakistan sinking without a trace as just five runs and a wicket come in that over.

OUT! Imad Wasim c Miller b Shamsi 4(2). Pakistan: 118/5 (13.3 ov). Live Updates: https://t.co/p35GxHMrUs #SAvPAK

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) February 1, 2019

WICKET: Imad Wasim c Miller b Shamsi 4 (2b 1×4 0x6)

Over 13: Pakistan 113-4 (require 80 runs to win)

Just six runs off that over as well as the big wicket of Asif Ali.

OUT! Asif Ali c Miller b Chris Morris 13(7). Pakistan: 113/4 (13 ov). Live Updates: https://t.co/p35GxHMrUs #SAvPAK

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) February 1, 2019

WICKET: Asif Ali c Miller b Morris 13 (7b 1×4 1×6)

Over 12: Pakistan 107-3 (require 86 runs to win)

14 runs come off that over. Pakistan need more of that.

Over 11: Pakistan 93-3 (require 100 runs to win)

Eight runs made but Pakistan lose Babar Azam.

OUT! Babar Azam run out (Miller) 38(27). Pakistan: 93/3 (11 ov). Live Updates: https://t.co/p35GxHMrUs #SAvPAK

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) February 1, 2019

WICKET: Babar Azam run out (Miller) 38 (27b 3×4 1×6)

Over 10: Pakistan 85-2 (require 108 runs to win)
Bowler: Tabraiz Shamsi (1-1-1-1-4-W)

Eight runs came in the over before Hussain Talat was dismissed.

WICKET: Hussain Talat c Beuran Hendricks b Tabraiz Shamsi 40 (32b 5×4 0x6)

Over 9: Pakistan 77-1 (require 116 runs to win)
Bowler: Andile Phehlukwayo (1-0-1-1-0-1)

Four singles taken from the medium bowler’s over.

Over 8: Pakistan 73-1 (require 120 runs to win)
Bowler: Tabraiz Shamsi (0-0-1-1-4-2)

Hussain Talat struck the spinner for a boundary.

Over 7: Pakistan 65-1 (require 128 runs to win)
Bowler: Andile Phehlukwayo (1-1-1-1-1-2)

The medium bowler went for seven runs in the over.

Over 6: Pakistan 58-1 (require 135 runs to win)
Bowler: Beuran Hendricks (1-1wd-2-0-1wd-1-0-1wd-1lb)

Beuran Hendricks gave eight runs in the over.

Over 5: Pakistan 50-1 (require 143 runs to win)
Bowler: Chris Morris (4-1-1-0-1-1wd-4)

Chris Morris conceded 11 runs to win as Hussain Talat hit the boundary.

50 UP for Pakistan! The visitors continue the bright start to their chase, maintaining a healthy run rate.

Azam (24*) and Talat (21*) help take their side to 50/1 after 5 overs #KFCT20 #SAvPAK

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) February 1, 2019

Over 4: Pakistan 39-1 (require 154 runs to win)
Bowler: Junior Dala (4-1-1-0-1-1wd-4)

Pakistan batsmen score 12 runs in the over as Hussain Talat and Babar Azam hit a boundary each.

Over 3: Pakistan 27-1 (require 166 runs to win)
Bowler: Beuran Hendricks (0-4-1-0-6-0)

A productive over for the Men in Green. A boundary and a six came off it.

Over 2: Pakistan 16-1 (require 177 runs to win)
Bowler: Junior Dala (4-0-1-1-0-0)

Junior Dala concedes six runs in his first over. Babar Azam hit the boundary.

Over 1: Pakistan 10-1 (require 183 runs to win)
Bowler: Beuran Hendricks (4-0-W-1-4-1)

Fakhar Zaman was caught out after hitting the medium bowler for a boundary. Babar Azam hit the second four in the over.

WICKET! The second innings is underway! The exciting Beuran Hendricks takes the new ball for South Africa and strikes with his third ball.

Zaman gone for four. Caught by R. Hendricks. Pakistan 4/1 after 0.3 overs #KFCT20 #ProteaFire #SAvPAK

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) February 1, 2019

WICKET: Fakhar Zaman c Reeza Hendricks b Beuran Hendricks 4 (3b 1×4 0x6) 

South Africa Innings

Innings Break!
South Africa: 192-6 (20 ov). Live Updates: https://t.co/p35GxHMrUs #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/jbwvGX4eWG

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) February 1, 2019

Over 20: South Africa 192-6
Bowler: Faheem Ashraf (1-0-W-1-1-4)

That’s the end of the innings. Reeza Hendricks and skipper Faf du Plessis help the Proteas score 192-6 in their allotted 20 overs. Pakistan require 193 to win with required run rate of 9.65 per over.

WICKET: David Miller c Babar Azam b Faheem Ashraf 10 (12b 0x4 0x6)

Over 19: South Africa 185-5
Bowler: Hasan Ali (W-1-1-1nb-1-1-1)

Hasan Ali took his first wicket of the match and gave seven runs in the penultimate over.

OUT! Chris Morris c Babar Azam b Hasan Ali 1(2). South Africa: 178/5 (18.1 ov). Live Updates: https://t.co/p35GxHMrUs #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/2odrzX2ITE

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) February 1, 2019

WICKET: Chris Morris c Babar Azam b Hasan Ali 1 (2b 0x4 0x6)

Over 18: South Africa 178-4
Bowler: Usman Shinwari (2-4-4-W-1-1)

The fast-bowler dismissed Reeza Hendricks after being hit for two consecutive boundaries.

OUT! Hendricks c Shadab Khan b Usman Shinwari 74(41). South Africa: 176/4 (17.4 ov). Live Updates: https://t.co/p35GxHuQvS #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/KP5xpjmCxC

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) February 1, 2019

WICKET: Reeza Hendricks c Shadab Khan b Usman Shinwari 74 (41b 8×4 2×6)

Over 17: South Africa 166-3
Bowler: Hasan Ali (0-1-2-1-2-2)

Eight runs came from Hasan Ali’s third over.

Over 16: South Africa 158-3
Bowler: Usman Shinwari (0-W-0-W-0-1)

A brilliant over by Usman Shinwari. Dismissed Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen in the same over.

OUT! van der Dussen c Rizwan b Usman Shinwari 0(2). South Africa: 157/3 (15.4 ov). Live Updates: https://t.co/p35GxHuQvS #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/gpbHzGJdxu

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) February 1, 2019

WICKET: Hendricks Rassie van der Dussen c Mohammad Rizwan b Usman Shinwari 0 (2b 0x4 0x6)

OUT! du Plessis c Shoaib Malik b Usman Shinwari 78(45). South Africa: 157/2 (15.2 ov). Live Updates: https://t.co/p35GxHuQvS #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/bTXnP78qmh

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) February 1, 2019

WICKET: Faf du Plessis c Shoaib Malik b Usman Shinwari 78 (45b 6×4 4×6)

Over 15: South Africa 157-1
Bowler: Shadab Khan (6-1-1-1-4-2)

The spinner gave 15 runs in the over.

Over 14: South Africa 142-1
Bowler: Hussain Talat (wd-4-1-1-2-1-4)

Reeza Hendricks reached his half-century. The medium bowler conceded 14 runs in the over as two boundaries were scored off it.

Man on form! Reeza Hendricks (54*) raises his bat for his second T20I fifty!
Super knock! 👏🏏

South Africa are now 142/1 after 14 overs #KFCT20 #ProteaFire #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/HdHWB6xLD6

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) February 1, 2019

100-RUN PARTNERSHIP! These two have been absolutely brilliant this evening!
R. Hendricks (49*) and Du Plessis’ (62*) take their stand to 102 runs off 59 balls.

SA are 128/1 after 13 overs #KFCT20 #ProteaFire #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/pDSTnOMJ0b

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) February 1, 2019

Over 13: South Africa 128-1
Bowler: Shadab Khan (1-2-0-6-2-1)

Faf du Plessis hit the maximum in the over.

Over 12: South Africa 116-1
Bowler: Usman Shinwari (6-1-0-1-4-1)

Reeza Hendricks hit the left-arm pacer for a six and a boundary in the over.

HALF-CENTURY for Faf! Du Plessis (50*) dispatches Faheem Ashraf for a six and a four in consecutive balls to bring up his 8th T20I fifty and take South Africa to 103/1 after 11 overs. #KFCT20 #ProteaFire #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/OfYkxBR5zO

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) February 1, 2019

Over 11: South Africa 103-1
Bowler: Shadab Khan (0-4-1-0-6-4)

Proteas take their total to triple figures as Faheem Ashraf was hit for two boundaries and a six. Half-century for the skipper Faf du Plessis.

Over 10: South Africa 88-1
Bowler: Shadab Khan (1-0-1-4lb-2-1)

Usman Shinwari was introduced into the attack and Hendricks was nearly dismissed run out on the first ball of the over.

Over 9: South Africa 79-1
Bowler: Shadab Khan (1-1-1-4-2-2)

South African batsman scored 11 runs off Shadab Khan’s over as Faf du Plessis hit the boundary.

Over 8: South Africa 68-1
Bowler: Imad Wasim (1-1-2-0-1-1)

Six runs came from the spinner’s over.

Over 7: South Africa 62-1
Bowler: Faheem Ashraf (2-1-6-0-4-1)

Faf du Plessis feasted off Faheem Ashraf by hitting the medium bowler for a boundary and a six.

50 UP for South Africa!🔥🇿🇦
SA are now 57/1 after 6.3 overs #KFCT20 #ProteaFire #SAvPAK

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) February 1, 2019

Fifty up for South Africa

Over 6: South Africa 48-1
Bowler: Imad Wasim (1-0-1-4-1-2)

The left-arm spinner gave nine runs in the over as Reeza Hendricks scored the boundary.

Over 5: South Africa 39-1
Bowler: Hasan Ali (2-4-4-0-1-1)

Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis hit two consecutive boundaries in the over.

Over 4: South Africa 27-1
Bowler: Imad Wasim (W-0-0-0-1-0)

Imad Wasim provided the much needed breakthrough for the Men in Green as he dismissed the dangerous looking Cloete in the over.

OUT! Gihahn Cloete c Fakhar Zaman b Imad Wasim 13(12). South Africa: 26/1 (3.1 ov). Live Updates: https://t.co/p35GxHMrUs #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/cBXTAl1RoZ

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) February 1, 2019

WICKET: Gihahn Cloete c Fakhar Zaman b Imad Wasim 13 (12b 2×4 0x6)

Over 3: South Africa 26-0
Bowler: Hasan Ali (0-1-4-1-0-1)

Pacer Hasan Ali went for seven runs in his first over as Reeza Hendricks picked up the boundary.

Over 2: South Africa 19-0
Bowler: Imad Wasim (0-1-1-4-0-1)

Gihahn Cloete scored the boundary in the over.

Over 1: South Africa 12-0
Bowler: Shoaib Malik (0-0-1-4-1-6)

Proteas off to a flyer as they scored 12 runs in the opening over. Gihahn Cloete scored the boundary and Reeza Hendricks hit the maximum.

South Africa XI: Reeza Hendricks, Gihahn Cloete (wicketkeeper), Faf du Plessis (captain), Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, Beuran Hendricks, Junior Dala and Tabraiz Shamsi

Pakistan XI: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Shoaib Malik (captain), Asif Ali, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali and Usman Shinwari.

Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has been ruled out of the fixture due to a hamstring injury.