LAHORE: Skipper Babar Azam’s classy half-century led Pakistan to a commanding four-wicket victory over South Africa in the third and final T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, sealing the three-match series 2–1.
After a heavy 55-run defeat in the series opener, Pakistan staged a strong comeback to clinch back-to-back wins and finish the contest on a dominant note.
Chasing a modest target of 140, the home side endured early pressure before Babar’s composed knock of 68 off 47 balls, featuring nine exquisite boundaries, steadied the chase and took them over the line with six deliveries remaining.
Pakistan’s pursuit began on a shaky note as Saim Ayub fell for a duck, leaving the score at 8 for 1. Sahibzada Farhan chipped in with 19 off 18 balls but was soon dismissed, making it 44 for 2.
From there, Babar found a reliable partner in Salman Ali Agha, and the duo added a crucial 76-run partnership for the third wicket, swinging the momentum firmly in Pakistan’s favour.
Both batters looked set to finish the chase, but South Africa fought back late, removing Agha (33 off 26) and Babar in quick succession. A mini-collapse followed as Hasan Nawaz (5) and Mohammad Nawaz (0) departed cheaply, briefly unsettling the hosts at 133 for 6.
However, Faheem Ashraf (6)* and Usman Khan (4)* held their composure to guide Pakistan to a series-clinching win.
Earlier, Shaheen Afridi ignited the momentum with a fiery new-ball spell, dismissing two batters in consecutive deliveries in the opening over to leave South Africa reeling at 0 for 2.
Although Reeza Hendricks (34 off 36) and Dewald Brevis (21 off 22) tried to rebuild, the visitors struggled to recover from the early damage.
Debutant Usman Tariq impressed with two key wickets in the middle overs, while Faheem Ashraf’s double strike—removing Donovan Ferreira (29 off 14) and George Linde—crushed South Africa’s lower order.
Corbin Bosch’s unbeaten 30 gave the innings some stability, but the Proteas could only manage 139/9 in their 20 overs.
Shaheen Afridi ended with 3 for 26, supported by Faheem (2 for 20) and Usman Tariq (2 for 27), while Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Mirza claimed one wicket each.
With this win, Pakistan sealed a 2–1 series triumph, showcasing resilience and balance in both batting and bowling departments.
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