SA vs PAK (2nd T20I) – Highlights
Pakistan produced a clinical performance to dominate South Africa in the second T20I at Lahore, securing a comfortable nine-wicket victory with 41 balls to spare. After a rocky start, the hosts’ bowlers set the tone with disciplined lines and sharp breakthroughs, while their batsmen chased down a modest target with authority, showcasing both composure and firepower. The result not only leveled the series but also reinforced Pakistan’s growing strength in home conditions.
SA, batting first, struggled to build momentum despite a few glimpses of resistance. The innings never really got off the ground as Pakistan’s pace attack, led by a sensational spell from Salman Mirza, struck early. Mirza was the star with the ball, picking up three crucial wickets for just 14 runs in four overs. He removed the top and middle-order threats, including Reeza Hendricks for a duck and Matthew Breetzke, and consistently kept the run rate under control. Faheem Ashraf complemented Mirza’s efforts superbly, claiming four wickets for 23 runs, including key middle-order dismissals that left SA reeling. Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed also contributed with vital breakthroughs, ensuring that the Proteas never recovered from the early pressure.
The South African innings was characterized by frequent wickets and a lack of partnerships. Dewald Brevis offered some resistance with 25 runs off 16 balls, showing glimpses of his aggressive stroke play, but he received little support from the rest of the lineup. Donovan Ferreira and George Linde provided brief resistance, but the innings ultimately faltered at 110 for 10 in 19.2 overs. The batting collapse underlined Pakistan’s sharp bowling and fielding execution, with every bowler contributing to a disciplined performance. Extras were minimal, reflecting the overall control Pakistan maintained throughout the innings.
Chasing 111, PAK’s response was calculated yet commanding. Sahibzada Farhan started briskly but fell for 28 runs, leaving the bulk of the work to Saim Ayub and Babar Azam. Ayub turned the chase into a statement, delivering an unbeaten 71 from 38 balls with a strike rate of over 186, displaying a mix of elegance and power-hitting that effectively ended any South African hopes of a comeback. Babar Azam supported well with a composed 11 not out, and the partnership between Ayub and Azam ensured a seamless passage to victory. Pakistan reached the target in just 13.1 overs, demonstrating their ability to chase efficiently and dominate across all departments.
Salman Mirza was rightfully named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance, which dismantled the South African batting lineup at crucial stages. His contributions, combined with Faheem Ashraf’s support, made the difference and highlighted Pakistan’s depth in fast bowling. The win also marked a strong statement in the series, showing Pakistan’s adaptability and skill in T20 cricket at home, and signaling that their batting lineup can chase confidently under pressure.
South Africa vs Pakistan Scoreboard
South Africa – 110/10 (19.2)
Pakistan – 112/1 (13.1)
Result – Pakistan won by 9 wickets (with 41 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Salman Mirza
Salman Mirza
SA vs PAK Playing XI
South Africa | Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock †, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira (c), George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman, Lungi Ngidi |
Pakistan | Salman Agha (c), Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Usman Khan †, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed |
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
Step into the world of cricket with JeetBuzz News—where expert opinions, trending Blogs, and behind-the-scenes insights meet all your favorite topics. Stay informed, stay entertained, and never miss the stories shaping the cricketing world—only on JeetBuzz News!
