SA vs PAK (3rd T20I) – Highlights
Under the lights at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan once again proved their mastery of home conditions, edging out South Africa by four wickets in the decisive third T20I to seal the series 2-1. A steady innings from Babar Azam and a sharp opening burst from Shaheen Shah Afridi headlined a gripping contest that ebbed and flowed before PAK crossed the finish line with an over to spare.
Shaheen Afridi set the tone for the evening in trademark fashion, swinging the new ball under the floodlights with venom. The left-armer struck twice in his first two deliveries, sending Quinton de Kock and debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius back to the pavilion without scoring. His precision and seam movement stunned South Africa, who suddenly found themselves reeling at 0 for 2 in the very first over. The visitors attempted to rebuild through Reeza Hendricks and young Dewald Brevis, but Pakistan’s debutant Usman Tariq continued the pressure with disciplined bowling, claiming both Brevis and Hendricks at crucial junctures.
After a miserable start, SA innings briefly flickered to life through Captain Donovan Ferreira’s fearless 29 off just 14 balls. His clean striking, including three sixes, gave the innings much-needed energy before Faheem Ashraf dismissed him to restore control for Pakistan. Corbin Bosch’s 30 not out off 23 balls added late stability, but wickets continued to tumble around him as Afridi returned to pick up a third wicket. South Africa ultimately managed 139 for 9 — a total that looked competitive but certainly chaseable on a decent batting surface.
In response, PAK chase began shakily. Saim Ayub endured another tough outing, falling for a six-ball duck, while Sahibzada Farhan’s promising start ended for 19. However, Babar Azam once again showcased his class and calmness under pressure. The captain produced a measured yet fluent innings of 68 off 47 balls, balancing risk and rotation beautifully. His strokeplay was pure timing — the drives through cover and late cuts against spin were textbook elegance.
Babar found the ideal partner in his deputy, Salman Agha, whose 33 off 26 balls steadied the middle overs. Together, they added a crucial 76-run stand that effectively broke South Africa’s resistance. Even as the Proteas tried mixing pace and spin, Babar’s judgment of length and Agha’s busy running between the wickets kept the required rate well within control. When both fell in quick succession to Corbin Bosch and Lizaad Williams, the chase briefly looked wobbly at 125 for 4.
SA sniffed an outside chance as wickets of Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Nawaz followed, but Usman Khan and Faheem Ashraf calmly guided Pakistan home with six balls remaining. The win reflected Pakistan’s growing composure in tense finishes, a sign of a side learning to close games consistently.
Afridi’s fiery 3 for 26 and Babar’s match-winning half-century summed up the balance that defines this Pakistan unit: aggression up front, stability in the middle, and enough depth to finish the job. South Africa, despite flashes of brilliance from Ferreira and Bosch, will rue their top-order implosion that left them playing catch-up all night.
South Africa vs Pakistan Scoreboard
South Africa – 139/9 (20)
Pakistan – 140/6 (19)
Result – Pakistan won by 4 wickets (with 6 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Babar Azam
Babar Azam
SA vs PAK Playing XIs
South Africa | Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira (c), George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams, Ottneil Baartman. |
Pakistan | Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (c), Usman Khan (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq. |
Disclaimer: The following match highlights are based on the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider these perspectives and form their own conclusions.
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