LAHORE: Pakistan clinched the T20I series against South Africa with a thrilling four-wicket win in the final match at Gaddafi Stadium, thanks to a classy half-century from Babar Azam and a fiery spell from Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Chasing 140 runs, Pakistan reached the target with six balls to spare, sealing the series 2-1. Despite an early setback when Saim Ayub departed for a duck, Babar steadied the innings with Sahibzada Farhan, adding 36 runs for the second wicket.
Farhan scored 19 off 18 balls before falling just as Pakistan began to rebuild. Skipper Salman Ali Agha joined Babar to forge a match-winning partnership of 76 runs for the third wicket, steering the hosts toward victory.
Babar was the star of the innings, scoring a fluent 68 off 47 balls, including nine boundaries, while Agha contributed 33 off 26. Both fell in quick succession, but Faheem Ashraf (6)* and Usman Khan (4)* held their nerves to complete the chase.
For South Africa, Lizaad Williams and Corbin Bosch claimed two wickets each, while Andile Simelane and Donovan Ferreira chipped in with one apiece.
🔥 Shaheen, Faheem Shine With the Ball
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to restrict South Africa to 139/9. Shaheen Afridi made an immediate impact by dismissing both openers — Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius — for ducks in his first over.
Usman Tariq, making his debut, impressed by removing Dewald Brevis (21) and Reeza Hendricks (34), while Faheem Ashraf struck twice in one over, dismissing Donovan Ferreira (29) and George Linde (0).
Shaheen finished with 3/26, while Faheem and Tariq took two wickets each. Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Mirza added one apiece.
Despite a late flourish from Corbin Bosch (30 off 23), South Africa never recovered from early damage and could not post a challenging total.
🏆 Series Win and Praise From PCB
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi congratulated the team on the series victory, praising Babar Azam’s elegant batting and Shaheen Afridi’s lethal bowling.
“This win reflects teamwork, discipline, and a professional approach,” said Naqvi. “The fans truly enjoyed every moment in an electric atmosphere.”
The victory marks another strong finish for Pakistan ahead of their upcoming T20I assignments, reinforcing their confidence before next year’s T20 World Cup.
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