Table of Contents
Pakistan wrapped up the home T20I series against South Africa in style, thanks to a vintage Babar Azam half-century that guided them to a four-wicket victory in the final match at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
The win sealed a 2-1 series triumph for the Green Shirts, who chased down a modest 140-run target with six balls to spare — a perfect finish to a closely fought series.
Early Setbacks for Pakistan
Chasing 140, Pakistan’s innings got off to a shaky start when Saim Ayub fell for a six-ball duck in the second over, leaving the hosts at 8/1. His dismissal put the pressure on Pakistan’s batting lineup early, but Babar Azam stepped up once again to anchor the chase.
Babar joined Sahibzada Farhan, and the pair added a steady 36-run partnership before Farhan was dismissed on 19 off 18 deliveries, including two fours and a six, in the seventh over.
With Pakistan at 44/2, Babar found an able partner in skipper Salman Ali Agha, and the two began to rebuild the innings with calm assurance.
Babar and Agha’s Crucial Stand
The experienced duo stitched together a match-defining 76-run stand for the third wicket, blending aggression with composure. Babar’s stroke play was a masterclass in timing — his 68 runs off 47 balls included nine boundaries, each more elegant than the last.
Agha played the perfect supporting role with 33 off 26, hitting two fours and rotating the strike smartly. The partnership seemed to have taken Pakistan comfortably toward victory until South Africa struck back with two quick wickets.
Lizaad Williams removed Agha, and moments later, Corbin Bosch dismissed Babar, giving the visitors a glimmer of hope.
Late Drama and Calm Finish
After the departures of their set batters, Pakistan suddenly found themselves wobbling as Hasan Nawaz (5) and Mohammad Nawaz (0) fell cheaply, reducing the equation to seven runs needed off the final 10 balls.
But Faheem Ashraf (6)* and Usman Tariq (4)* kept their nerves, guiding Pakistan home with an over to spare and ensuring the hosts celebrated another memorable win on home soil.
Among South Africa’s bowlers, Williams and Bosch claimed two wickets each, while Andile Simelane and Donovan Ferreira chipped in with one apiece.
Shaheen Afridi’s Fiery Return Sets the Tone
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers set up the win with a disciplined performance after captain Salman Ali Agha opted to bowl first. The returning Shaheen Shah Afridi made an instant impact, dismissing both Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius for ducks in his first over, leaving South Africa reeling early.
Dewald Brevis and Reeza Hendricks tried to rebuild with a cautious 38-run partnership, but debutant Usman Tariq struck in the eighth over to remove Brevis for 21 off 22 balls.
South Africa’s middle order continued to crumble as Mohammad Nawaz cleaned up Matthew Breetzke (1), and Faheem Ashraf delivered a double blow — dismissing Donovan Ferreira (29 off 14) and George Linde (0) in consecutive balls.
Hendricks, who top-scored for the visitors with a patient 34 off 36, was also removed by debutant Tariq, who enjoyed a strong start to his international career.
Corbin Bosch (30 not out off 23) and Andile Simelane (13 off 10) added late runs to push South Africa to 139/9, a total that ultimately proved insufficient.
Pakistan’s Bowling Stars Shine
It was a collective bowling effort from Pakistan, led by Shaheen Afridi, who was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 26. He was well-supported by Faheem Ashraf and Usman Tariq, who picked up two wickets each, while Nawaz and Salman Mirza contributed one wicket apiece.
The debut of Usman Tariq was particularly noteworthy — the young spinner showed impressive composure under pressure, adding valuable breakthroughs in the middle overs.
Babar Azam’s Consistency Continues
With another fluent knock, Babar reaffirmed his position as Pakistan’s most reliable batter in white-ball cricket. His innings was a blend of precision, placement, and poise — qualities that have come to define his leadership and batting.
Saturday’s win not only gave Pakistan a confidence boost ahead of future assignments, but also showcased their growing depth, with young players like Usman Tariq and Agha Salman stepping up alongside seasoned campaigners.
