KEY POINTS
- Pakistan chased down 140 runs with 6 balls to spare, winning the third T20I by 4 wickets.
- South Africa posted a modest total of 139, with Shaheen Afridi (3/26) leading Pakistan’s bowling attack.
- Babar Azam top-scored with 68 runs, anchoring Pakistan’s chase despite early wickets falling.
LAHORE, Pakistan: Pakistan secured a thrilling 4-wicket victory over South Africa in the third and final T20I of the series at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, sealing the series 2-1.
Chasing a modest target of 140 runs, Pakistan achieved the target with 6 balls to spare, finishing at 140/6 in 19 overs.
Earlier, South Africa posted a below-par total of 139. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/26) and debutant Usman Tariq (2/26), made early breakthroughs to stifle the Proteas’ batting lineup.
Shaheen’s quick wickets in the opening overs reduced South Africa to a dismal 2/2, and they never fully recovered.
Babar Azam top-scored with 68 runs off 47 balls, anchoring the chase with key contributions. Despite early wickets falling, including a duck for Saim Ayub, Babar’s steady knock ensured Pakistan remained in control of the run chase.
Though Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals, with Salman Agha (33) and Sahibzada Farhan (19) contributing, it was Faheem Ashraf’s quick-fire 4* from 2 balls that sealed the win.
South Africa’s bowling, led by Corbin Bosch and Lizaad Williams, proved ineffective in containing Pakistan’s chase.
Match Summary
South Africa: 139/9 (20 overs)
Top Scorers: Reeza Hendricks (34), Corbin Bosch (30*), Donovan Ferreira (29)
Best Bowling: Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/26), Usman Tariq (2/26)
Pakistan: 140/6 (19 overs)
Top Scorers: Babar Azam (68), Salman Agha (33)
Best Bowling: Corbin Bosch (2/24), Lizaad Williams (2/26)
Pakistan’s win in the final T20I not only handed them the series 2-1 but also boosted their morale heading into future challenges.
With strong performances from their bowling attack and Babar Azam’s consistency with the bat, the team will be looking forward to their next assignments with confidence.
