Proteas T20 unbeaten run ends || The Southern Times

Harare - Pakistan ended South Africa’s unbeaten run in Asia as they cruised to a 2-1 series win in their three-match Twenty20 series.

The series loss was the first for the Proteas in an Asian country after previously winning five and drawing one on the continent.

As the South Africans were trying to come to terms with their first defeat in Asia, it was celebration time for Pakistan as they became the first nation to register a century of successes in T20 internationals.

With the sides tied on one-all going into the last match at Gaddafi Stadium, the finale lived up to expectations.

South Africa set a target of 165 runs from 20 overs.

David Milner propped up a faltering innings, smashing seven sixes and five fours off 45 balls to lift South Africa from an anaemic 48-6. He helped add 116 for the last four wickets, taking South Africa to 164-8. The Proteas had a run in which they lost seven wickets for 55 runs.

Then Pakistan came on to bat and reached the target with eight balls to spare.

Mohammad Nawaz finished with 18 not out, while skipper Babar Azam scored 44 and in-form Mohammad Rizwan made 42.

South Africa captain Heinrich Klaasen said, "We started with some cowboy cricket and I take full responsibility for that collapse."