Pakistan secured a composed four-wicket victory over South Africa in the third and final T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium, sealing the series 2-1. The match showcased a well-balanced performance, with Shaheen Afridi’s incisive new-ball spell and Babar Azam’s controlled half-century standing out as the decisive factors.
Shaheen Afridi leads from the front
Pakistan opted to bowl first and struck early. Shaheen Afridi delivered an inspired opening burst, dismissing two top-order South African batters inside his first over. The left-armer generated late swing under lights, making the batters uncomfortable and forcing defensive strokes that lacked certainty.
South Africa, who had come into the decider looking to impose themselves early, instead found themselves blocked by tight lines and disciplined fielding. By the end of the Power Play, they were restricted to a meagre tally of 22 runs for the loss of two wickets — one of their lowest starts in recent T20 internationals.
Reeza Hendricks attempted to rebuild the innings, holding one end with steady accumulation. However, Pakistan continued to rotate their bowlers smartly, ensuring there were no easy overs to exploit. Shadab Khan and Mohammad Wasim Jr. maintained pressure through the middle overs, denying boundaries and forcing risk. Hendricks top-scored with 38, but lacked meaningful support at the other end.
South Africa’s lower order chipped in with small contributions, guiding the side to 139 for 8 at the end of 20 overs — a below-par total on a surface offering moderate grip and minimal dew. Pakistan’s bowling effort was defined not only by wickets but by suffocating run-control, which prevented the opposition from adding late acceleration.
Babar Azam anchors the chase
Pakistan’s pursuit of 140 began with a brief scare. Saim Ayub fell early, edging behind without opening his account. The early wicket raised hopes for a South African comeback, but Babar Azam quickly settled the innings with trademark composure.
Taking time to assess the bounce and pace of the pitch, Babar began nudging singles before gradually opening up with precise drives and controlled lofts. His timing improved steadily, and the innings gathered rhythm. At the other end, Agha Salman joined him and played with positive intent, rotating strike and punishing occasional loose deliveries.
The partnership between Babar and Salman grew into the defining stand of the match — a 76-run association off 52 balls that effectively took the game out of South Africa’s hands. The visitors struggled to break the rhythm as Pakistan maintained wickets in hand, a key advantage in moderate chases.
Babar completed a fluent half-century, marking his 40th score of 50 or more in T20 Internationals, reaffirming his role as Pakistan’s stabilising presence. Even when Salman departed, the required run-rate remained well within control. Pakistan lost a couple of wickets in the closing phase, but the result never looked uncertain. The hosts crossed the target in the 19th over, sparking loud celebrations in the evening Lahore crowd.
A timely win for Pakistan
This victory holds significance beyond the scoreline. Over recent months, Pakistan have faced scrutiny regarding consistency and clarity of approach in the T20 format. The result in Lahore, however, highlighted a familiar combination — early breakthroughs from Shaheen and a composed finishing act anchored by Babar.
The bowlers’ control was equally important. Limiting South Africa to under 140 on a batting surface required discipline and alignment of plans, both of which were executed cleanly. The fielding was sharper as well, reducing errors that had previously cost matches.
South Africa, meanwhile, will review their batting approach, particularly the lack of intent in the first half of the innings. Their bowlers created periodic pressure during Pakistan’s chase, but the absence of a defendable total made the task significantly harder.
Conclusion
The match underlined Pakistan’s strengths when their key figures perform — Shaheen’s impact with the new ball, Babar’s calmness in chase management, and disciplined support roles from the middle order and spinners. The series win provides much-needed momentum heading into future T20 contests and serves as a reminder of the side’s competitive core when roles are executed with clarity.