Under immense pressure, Pakistan’s key players delivered a spectacular performance. Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi unleashed a fiery spell, perfectly complemented by a timely half-century from Babar Azam. Their combined efforts propelled the hosts to a compelling four-wicket victory over South Africa in the third and final Twenty20 International at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, securing a memorable 2-1 series triumph.
Tasked with chasing 140 runs, Pakistan expertly navigated the innings, reaching the target in 19 overs with six wickets to spare. The chase was anchored by Babar Azam, who showcased his class with a commanding 68 runs off just 47 balls – a significant return to form, marking his first T20I fifty in 13 innings. The atmosphere was electric, with 32,000 passionate fans erupting in cheers as the former Pakistan captain celebrated his 37th T20I half-century by smashing three consecutive boundaries off Ottneil Baartman.
Before Pakistan’s chase, Shaheen Afridi had already laid the groundwork for victory. His destructive spell of 3 for 26 dismantled South Africa’s top order, leaving them struggling at 139 for 9. Afridi’s impact was immediate, with a double-strike in the very first over, sending both Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius back to the pavilion for ducks, leaving the Proteas stunned at 0 for 2. The pressure intensified when Dewald Brevis, after surviving an initial lbw scare, was swiftly removed by debutant Usman Tariq, who impressed with figures of 2 for 26.
Despite the early collapse, Reeza Hendricks (34 off 36 balls) and captain Donovan Ferreira (a quickfire 29 off 14 balls, including three towering sixes) attempted to rebuild the innings, forging a crucial 34-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Later, Corbin Bosch’s unbeaten 30 added some much-needed runs, ultimately helping South Africa reach a somewhat respectable total.
Pakistan’s chase wasn’t without its early anxieties; openers Saim Ayub fell for a duck, and Sahibzada Farhan managed only 19 runs before both were dismissed within the first seven overs. However, the experienced Babar Azam, alongside Salman Agha (33 runs), calmly stabilized the innings, building a vital 76-run partnership for the third wicket. A brief late wobble ensued after Babar’s departure to Bosch, but Usman Khan (6 not out) kept his composure, hitting a single to secure the victory.
Reflecting on the hard-fought series, Captain Salman Agha lauded his team’s remarkable resilience, especially their ability to bounce back after facing an early deficit. “I am truly delighted with this come-from-behind series victory,” Agha commented. “Being 1-0 down and then winning the next two matches required incredible effort from all the players.”
Meanwhile, South African captain Donovan Ferreira acknowledged that his team’s batting collapse had ultimately cost them the match. “We lost wickets in clusters and simply couldn’t put enough runs on the board,” he stated. “However, credit must be given to our bowlers for their tight performance. Overall, it was a valuable learning experience for our side.”