The final KFC T20I between South Africa and Pakistan was washed out, leaving the Proteas with a 2-0 series win after two earlier victories. The match at DP World Wanderers Stadium experienced delays due to lightning, and subsequent heavy rain halted play altogether on Saturday night, much to the disappointment of fans.
After the initial weather delays, the conditions looked favorable for play temporarily, but the storm returned with full force. Both captains, Heinrich Klaasen of South Africa and Mohammad Rizwan of Pakistan, shook hands as the referees decided to call off the game. This decision confirmed South Africa's series victory after they had won the first and second T20Is, making the final match irrelevant.
The series opened with South Africa edging out Pakistan by 11 runs during the first match held at Durban last Tuesday. This was followed by the second T20I on Friday night at SuperSport Park, Centurion, where the Proteas achieved a convincing seven-wicket win, thanks to Reeza Hendricks' outstanding performance with the bat.
Hendricks scored his maiden T20I century, blasting 117 runs off just 63 balls, hitting seven fours and ten sixes, helping the Proteas chase down 207 runs set by Pakistan. After struggling to pass 50 runs in his previous five T20I innings, Hendricks expressed the gravity of the moment for him after the match, stating, "I think it's nice to score and contribute for the country, it's definitely not a sigh of relief." He emphasized his approach to every game with pride and confidence, feeling pressure as though each game could be his last.
Despite the anticipation of the final T20I being sold out, fans were left disheartened. A highveld thunderstorm foiled hopes for South Africa to complete a clean sweep over their competitors. It was Rob Walter's first T20 series victory since being appointed limited overs coach last February, highlighting the significance of the series win.
The upcoming schedule looks promising for both teams. South Africa and Pakistan are set to meet again for a three-match ODI series, with the first game slated for Tuesday, December 17, at Paarl. They'll then play their second match on Thursday at Cape Town and the third on Sunday at the Wanderers, promising more high-stakes action. South Africa has called back iconic players like ODI skipper Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, and Kagiso Rabada to bolster their squad for these ODIs.
Beyond the One-Day games, the two nations will also engage in two Test matches starting with the Boxing Day Test at Centurion. This series is not just about rivalry; it provides South Africa with the opportunity to secure their place in the World Test Championship final, set to occur at Lord’s next June. Victory in just one of those matches would benefit South Africa's prospects significantly.
While the final T20I ended abruptly due to unfavorable weather, the series resulted in notable performances and set the stage for exciting upcoming fixtures. The disappointment of fans was palpable, yet the Proteas will confidently march forward, hoping to build on their recent successes as they gear up for the ODI series against Pakistan, which is expected to be fiercely contested.
