JOHANNESBURG, April 12: George Linde’s three early wickets and a rampaging half-century from Aiden Markram helped South Africa to a series-levelling six-wicket victory against Pakistan in the second T20 International at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Monday.
Having restricted the tourists to a below-par total of just 140-9 the Proteas stormed to their target in just 14 overs with Markram smashing 54 from only 30 balls (7×4, 3×6) while Heinrich Klaasen (36*) and man-of-the-match George Linde (20* from 10 balls) finished the job after a small mid-innings wobble.
Linde featured in the first six wickets to fall after Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first claiming the first three with the ball to finish with 3-23 from his four overs and then took three well-judged catches in the deep, two off the bowling of Lizaad Williams who bowled superbly in the closing overs to finish with 3-35.
Earlier, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam reached 50 from 49 balls with only five fours but was bowled by Sisanda Magala one delivery later.
It completed a wonderful comeback by the burly seamer who started with a nightmare, 12-ball first over including three no balls and three wides which cost 18. (Agencies)
