Lahore
Pakistan completed a remarkable comeback to clinch the three-match T20I series 2-1 against South Africa, defeating the visitors by four wickets in the decisive final game at the Gaddafi Stadium. Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi and star batter Babar Azam played pivotal roles in Pakistan’s series-clinching triumph before a packed crowd of over 32,000 fans.
Afridi produced a stunning new-ball spell, taking 3 for 26, as South Africa were restricted to 139 for 9. The left-arm pacer struck twice in the first over, removing Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius for ducks, leaving the visitors reeling at 0 for 2. Debutant Usman Tariq impressed with 2 for 26, while Corbin Bosch top-scored for South Africa with an unbeaten 30.
In reply, Pakistan overcame early hiccups to chase down the target in 19 overs. Skipper Salman Ali Agha (33) and Babar Azam (68 off 47 balls) anchored the innings with a 76-run third-wicket partnership, rescuing Pakistan from 21 for 2. Azam delighted home fans with three consecutive boundaries off Ottniel Baartman to reach his 37th T20I fifty, ending a 13-innings drought.
Though Pakistan briefly stumbled after Azam’s dismissal, Usman Khan held his nerve to seal victory with a single.
“I’m happy with the team’s comeback after being 1-0 down,” said captain Salman Ali Agha. “It was a great collective effort.”
South Africa’s skipper Donovan Ferreira admitted his team’s batting collapse proved costly, saying, “We lost wickets in clusters, but it was a good learning experience.”
The teams will now face off in a three-match ODI series starting November 4 in Faisalabad.
