George Linde highlights South Africa cricket’s depth after dominant victory over Pakistan
South Africa's George Linde (L) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Pakistan's Faheem Ashraf (not pictured) during the first T20 international cricket match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on October 28, 2025. Picture: Farooq Naeem/AFP
Image: Farooq Naeem/AFP
George Linde could not hide his satisfaction after a somewhat experimental South African side brushed aside Pakistan in the first T20 International in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.
The Proteas were missing a number of first-choice players like openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton, but posted a commanding 194/9.
Pakistan never got going in their chase as they were all out for 139 as the visitors romped to a 55-run win.
Spinner Linde, who returned figures of 3/31, said it was good to see the Proteas have the confidence to field a number of fringe players.
South Africa’s Exciting Depth and Quinton de Kock’s Return
“Obviously, we’ve got a lot of depth in South Africa, and all the players here are very exciting,” said Linde after the match.
“I think about the rugby [Springboks] back at home. They give so much game time to younger players because they are all good enough to play at this level. It’s always nice to get an opportunity, and it’s what you do with that opportunity.”
One player who is no stranger to the Proteas is Quinton de Kock, who recently reversed his decision to retire and was playing in his ‘second game back’ after a T20I against minnows Namibia earlier this month.
Linde alluded to the return of the left-handed opener who helped South Africa get off to a quick start with 23 from 13.
“I’m very excited for this group. Obviously, there are some big players back at home now, preparing for a Test match [Test series against India in November], which is also very important for South Africa.
“We didn’t look too far ahead. We just played as we see it. We’ve got a lot of experience in our squad and younger players that are very exciting to watch. We just had good game plans, and I think we executed, especially the seamers; they were amazing in this game.”