LAHORE – In a nail-biting Lahore decider, Pakistan edged past South Africa by 4 wickets to take the T20I series 2-1. Star batter Babar Azam’s brilliant 68 anchored tense chase after the Proteas were restricted to 139.
Men in Green wobbled in the death overs but held their nerve to seal victory with an over to spare, marking their fourth series triumph over South Africa. Cricket fans were left on the edge of their seats in a classic showdown.
Chasing a modest 140, Agha led side stumbled early as opener Saim Ayub was dismissed for a duck, leaving Pakistan reeling at 8/1. Babar then steadied the innings with Sahibzada Farhan, putting together a 36-run partnership before Farhan fell for 19.
At 44/2, Babar joined skipper Salman Ali Agha and the pair added 76 runs, taking Pakistan within striking distance. South Africa fought back with quick wickets from Lizaad Williams and Corbin Bosch, but Babar’s innings remained the backbone of the chase.
With just seven runs needed off the final 10 balls, lower-order batsmen Faheem Ashraf (6*) and Usman (4*) calmly guided Pakistan home.
Williams and Bosch took two wickets each for South Africa, while Andile Simelane and Donovan Ferreira claimed one each. Pakistan’s win marked their fourth T20I series triumph over the Proteas, leaving fans thrilled with a tense, edge-of-the-seat encounter.
Pakistan made a thunderous start in the series-deciding T20I as star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi returned with a bang. The left-arm speedster struck back-to-back wickets to rattle the South African top order.
First, Quinton de Kock was sent packing, followed by Lhuandre Pretorius, leaving the visitors reeling at the start of their innings. Shaheen’s fiery opening spell has instantly put Pakistan in control, giving them a massive advantage in this winner-takes-all clash.
Lahore Gaddafi Stadium crowd erupted as Afridi showcased his lethal pace and deadly accuracy, sending a strong message that Pakistan is determined to seal the series at home.
The stage is set for a high-octane showdown at Gaddafi Stadium as Pakistan and South Africa clash in the series-deciding third T20I! With the series tied 1-1, Pakistan captain Salman Agha has made the bold call to bowl first, turning the spotlight on his bowlers to set the tone in this winner-takes-all encounter.
South Africa stormed out of the blocks, claiming the first T20I by a crushing 55-run margin, leaving Pakistan desperate for a comeback. And bounce back they did! Pakistan dominated the second T20 with a nine-wicket victory, thanks to a sensational unbeaten 71 from young star Saim Ayub, who looks ready to light up the Lahore night once again.
With the series hanging by a thread, every run, wicket, and boundary could decide who walks away victorious. The two-match Test series may have ended in a tie, but this T20 finale promises fireworks, drama, and heart-stopping cricket!
Pakistan vs South Africa Teams
Pakistan: Salman Agha (C), Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq.
South Africa: Donovan Ferreira (C), Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock, Lhuandre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams, Ottneil Baartman.
Pitch
Clear skies greet players and fans, but dew could play the ultimate wildcard for the team chasing. The pitch is expected to get easier for batting as the night unfolds, setting the stage for a possible high-scoring thriller.
As Lahore braces for a cricketing spectacle, fans are guaranteed an edge-of-the-seat contest.
