Twitter Reactions: Reeza Hendricks smacks century to hand consecutive defeats to Pakistan

South Africa defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the second T20I at SuperSport Park in Centurion. The Mohammad Rizwan-led side looked in much better touch after a flop batting performance in Durban in the first T20I. However, the skipper once again lacked intent in the powerplay and that’s one thing that the team management needs to address or else it could be a problem for them going forward.

Nevertheless, youngster Saim Ayub played some brilliant cricket in the middle, smacking an unbeaten 98 runs off 57 deliveries. Star batter Babar Azam supported him well in the middle before departing for 31 runs off 20 deliveries. However, he showed the intent, which is key in T20I cricket. Towards the fag end, Irfan Khan played a sensational cameo of 30 runs off 16 deliveries as Pakistan posted 206 runs in the first innings.

The visitors seemed optimistic in defending that but the bowlers failed to live up to the expectations in the second innings. Opener Ryan Rickelton departed early for two runs and Matthew Breetzke made 12 before Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen stitched a partnership of 157 runs for the third wicket.

Hendricks in particular played some phenomenal cricket and scored 117 runs off 63 deliveries. He smacked Pakistan bowlers all across the park as Haris Rauf leaked 57 runs in his four overs in the second T20I. Rassie, who usually plays the role of an anchor, changed gears in Centurion as he made an unbeaten 66 runs off 38 deliveries. The duo did the hard yards and played an aggressive brand of cricket to help the Proteas pick up a comfortable win.

Pakistan, on the other hand, need to analyse plenty of things after consecutive defeats to South Africa. Rizwan’s intent, the inconsistency of the bowling unit and the seniors not scoring runs are some of the areas that need immediate attention.

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