The 1st T20 international match of Pakistan vs South Africa bilateral series 2021 was played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on 11 Feb 2021. RSA had a good record of T20 series against Pakistan and won every Twenty-20 International series against Pakistan. South Africa won the toss and invited the opposition to bat first. Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam were sent to the middle and Bjorn Fortuin got the new ball in hand to open the attack.
Pakistan did not have a good start and lost its captain’s wicket. Babar Azam was run out by Bjorn Fortuin. After the dismissal, Haider Ali came to join Rizwan and he also could not stay longer and had to go. The Pakistan team had lost 2 wickets at the small score of 37 runs only and needed a partnership. On the other hand, Mohammad Rizwan took the responsibility very well and handled the situation. He made 104 runs from 64 balls and that was his first T20I century. Finally, Pakistan had put a defending total of 169 runs on the scoreboard and RSA got the target of 170 runs.
Jaaneman Malan and Reeza Hendricks came on the ground to chase the target and Mohammad Nawaz got the new ball. South Africa got a good start and added 51 runs on the scoreboard after the end of first mandatory Powerplay at no loss. Both the openers were looking in great touch and Pakistan was looking for a breakthrough. Usman Qadir did the job and got the first wicket of South Africa. After the dismissal of Janneman Malan, Reeza was standing alone on one side but did not get enough support from other batsmen. After getting a good start, South Africa lost the match by 3 runs and Reeza Hendricks tried well and made 54 runs for his team.
Pakistan won the 1st T20I match of the South Africa tour of Pakistan, 2021 series by 3 runs and Mohammad Rizwan was named the Man of the Match.