RSA VS PAK - 1st T20I, Pakistan tour of South Africa, 2021

So Pakistan off to a winning start in the T20Is too. This is a four match series and that's enough time for South Africa to return better. Klaasen did say the plans are there, but the execution needs to improve. How are they going to do that on Monday? Time will tell us. Pakistan will enjoy their record run chase and come back fresher. Same venue, same time. See you all!

Babar Azam | winning captain: It is important to win the first game, gives confidence. Outstanding innings from Rizwan, finished the game. The last five overs we came back well with the ball and Rizwan's knock was the difference. We just wanted to get momentum early and then we had Fakhar in good form.

Rizwan | Player of the Match: It was a slightly tricky pitch in the second innings. But the way we started was good. You get pressure in international cricket. The message from the dugout was to keep going and thankfully it worked. We did discuss about the long batting order and the importance of one player scoring big.

Heinrich Klaasen | losing captain: We were 10-15 short, we had to get over over the 200 mark. They way the openers played we knew we had to get a big total. Discipline with the ball is key if you don't get what you wanted. We need to fine tune field placements as well. Fine tuning and execution needs to be there. Game plan is there, need to execute.

18:08 Local Time, 16:08 GMT, 21:38 IST: Disappointment for the Proteas as they walk back slowly. Pakistan delighted to cross the line and start the series on the right note. The hosts could have put on a better show in the field for the desired result. But Pakistan pulled this back towards their way with the ball even before the chase. South Africa were set for a 200+ total at one point, but Pakistan leaked just 29 runs in the last 4 overs to restrict them. Rizwan then got them off to a flier. Azam fell early but Zaman came out for a quick cameo. Rizwan held one end tight as he teammates got in and got out. None of them wasted time though. Hendricks got two in two at one stage to push Pakistan back but Ashraf came out with nice intent to help Rizwan's pursuit and Pakistan eventually got over the line with Rizwan not having to face a single ball with 11 runs needed in the last over.

Williams to Hasan Ali, 3 runs, low full toss, swung away wide of deep mid-wicket. Two it will be and 1 needed with Rizwan denied strike for the entire over. Ohhh what's happened there? An overthrow with a direct-hit at the bowler's end and they get the winning run too with a ball to spare. This is Pakistan's highest ever run chase in T20Is

Williams to Hasan Ali, 2 runs, this is hit high again, just out of Hendricks's reach as he runs back from cover. Ali mistiming the lofted cover drive, gets two though. Need 3 now

5 off 3 now, Rizwan away from strike

Williams to Hasan Ali, FOUR, outside edge and that's a handy boundary. Williams bowls full and outside off stump, Ali swings hard, gets a thick edge that flies over the short third man fielder to hurt the Proteas

Hasan Ali, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Williams to Faheem Ashraf, out Bowled!! When the fielders let you down, knock the sticks over. Williams bowls a length delivery and takes the middle pole out. Ashraf slogging too hard and losing shape to lose the woodwork behind. RIght then, this is interesting. 9 off 4 now. Rizwan still off strike. Faheem Ashraf b Williams 30(14) [4s-4 6s-1]

Williams to Faheem Ashraf, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

Williams to Faheem Ashraf, 2 runs, in the airrrr, dropped. This would have been a dot and two runs saved. Linde the man. Full ball in the slot, Ashraf lofts to long-on, the fielder runs forward and gets there but doesn't close his hands quick enough

Lizaad Williams [3.0-0-28-0] is back into the attack

Good comeback from Magala after those two fours off two balls. 11 needed off the final over

Magala to Faheem Ashraf, 1 run, driven to long-on. Just a run

Magala to Rizwan, 1 run, low full toss on the leg stump, Rizwan flicks it to deep square leg

Magala to Faheem Ashraf, 1 run, slower delivery on the stumps, Ashraf slogs and gets an under edge that rolls towards backward square leg

Magala to Faheem Ashraf, no run, nice yorker, Ashraf digs it out back to the bowler

Magala to Faheem Ashraf, FOUR, four more! The shoulders are dropping for the Proteas. Full and on the leg stump, Ashraf flicks, can't bowl there with fine leg in, Ashraf beats short fine leg and collects the boundary