Babar Azam once again proved his class with a commanding half-century as Pakistan clinched a four-wicket win against South Africa to secure the T20I series 2–1 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday night. Chasing a modest 140-run target, the Green Shirts reached victory with six balls to spare, showcasing both composure and confidence in the series decider.
Pakistan’s chase began on a shaky note when opener Saim Ayub fell for a duck in the second over. However, Babar Azam’s steady presence turned the tide. Partnering with Sahibzada Farhan, he added a vital 36-run stand before Farhan’s dismissal. The early setback did little to shake Pakistan’s momentum, as Babar’s calm aggression and timing soon steadied the innings.
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At 44 for 2, Babar joined skipper Salman Ali Agha in a 76-run partnership that nearly sealed the game. Both batters rotated strike beautifully and punished loose deliveries, taking the home side to the brink of victory. But the visitors fought back through Lizaad Williams and Corbin Bosch, who dismissed Agha and Babar in quick succession. Babar’s anchoring 68 off 47 balls, laced with nine fours, remained the innings’ cornerstone.
Pakistan then lost two more quick wickets, leaving seven runs required from ten deliveries. Calm heads prevailed as Faheem Ashraf and Usman guided the team home with sensible stroke play, sealing a memorable series win before an ecstatic Lahore crowd. Williams and Bosch claimed two wickets apiece for South Africa, while Simelane and Ferreira took one each.
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Earlier, Pakistan’s decision to bowl first proved decisive. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s fiery new-ball spell dismantled South Africa’s top order, removing Quinton de Kock and Pretorius for ducks. Usman Tariq, making an impressive debut, joined the attack to dismiss Dewald Brevis, who had scored 21 off 22 balls. Mohammad Nawaz soon struck again, leaving the Proteas reeling at 42 for 4.
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Donovan Ferreira tried to counterattack with a 14-ball 29, including three sixes, but was undone by Faheem Ashraf, who also removed George Linde on the very next ball. Reeza Hendricks remained the top scorer with 34 off 36 before falling to Tariq, while Bosch provided late resistance with an unbeaten 30 off 23. The visitors eventually managed 139 for 9 in their allotted overs.
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Shaheen was the star with the ball, taking 3 for 26, while Faheem and Tariq bagged two each. Nawaz and Salman Mirza chipped in with a wicket apiece, ensuring a disciplined bowling display that restricted South Africa effectively on a batting-friendly surface.
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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi hailed the team’s performance, praising Babar’s brilliance and Shaheen’s bowling. He commended Captain Salman Ali Agha, Coach Mike Hesson, and the entire squad for their dedication and teamwork. “This victory reflects professionalism, hard work, and unity,” Naqvi said, noting that fans had witnessed world-class cricket in a spirited atmosphere.
