A career-best performance by Kimberley-born batter Reeza Hendricks secured South Africa's T20 International series victory against Pakistan in Centurion.

On Friday night, South Africa defeated Pakistan by seven wickets at SuperSport Park to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20 International series.

Pakistan batted first and posted a competitive total of 206/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Saim Ayub was the top-scorer, scoring an unbeaten 98 off 57 balls, which included 11 fours and five sixes. Babar Azam contributed 31 off 20 balls, while Irfan Khan added 30 off 16.

Reeza Hendricks and Matthew Breetzke - Cricinfo

Debutant Dayyaan Galiem, who was called up to the squad just days earlier as cover for the injured Anrich Nortjé, was the pick of the South African bowlers on his home ground. He claimed 2/21 in his four overs. Former Knights seamer Ottniel Baartman took 2/51, while George Linde picked up a wicket as well.

In reply, South Africa lost Ryan Rickelton and Matthew Breetzke cheaply for 2 and 12, respectively, leaving the score at 28/2 after four overs.

Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen then dug in, building a 157-run partnership for the third wicket. Hendricks smashed 10 sixes and seven fours on his way to a maiden T20 International century. He was eventually dismissed for 117 off 63 balls, with the score at 185.

Abbas Afridi and Rassie van der Dussen - Cricinfo

Van der Dussen remained unbeaten on 66 off 38 balls, hitting five sixes and three fours. His knock, along with an unbeaten 8 by captain Heinrich Klaasen, ensured South Africa reached the target with three balls to spare.

Although he didn’t take any wickets, Abrar Ahmed was Pakistan’s most economical bowler, finishing with figures of 0/29. Jahandad Khan took 2/40 in his four overs.

Speaking about his maiden T20I century, Hendricks expressed delight at contributing to the team's success and praised his Lions teammate Van der Dussen for his support.

“I’m quite pleased to get three figures – it’s been a while since I reached that milestone. It’s nice to contribute,” said the 35-year-old Hendricks. “It’s also been a while since we won a series, so this is obviously a very special night.

Dayyaan Galiem - Cricinfo

“After facing five dot balls in the first over, I managed to get going, and things started to click. I’m happy that I found the middle of the bat, and things worked out in the end. It was one of those nights where the shots came off. Targeting the short boundary was a tactic that worked.

“Playing with Rassie back at the Lions, we know each other’s game well. The team needed a big partnership at that time, and it’s always nice to bat with Rassie – he played an unbelievable knock himself.”

The third and final T20 International will take place on Saturday at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, with play at the Bullring scheduled to start at 18:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport