Babar Azam Guides Pakistan to Series-Clinching Win Over South Africa

LAHORE:A magnificent half-century from Babar Azam propelled Pakistan to a decisive four-wicket triumph against South Africa in the series decider at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, securing the three-match T20I series for the home side.

Chasing a manageable target of 140 runs, Pakistan successfully reached their goal with six balls to spare, despite encountering some early difficulties in their innings.

The pursuit commenced with an early setback as openerSaim Ayubwas dismissed for a six-ball duck in the second over, with just eight runs on the scoreboard.Babar Azamthen joinedSahibzada Farhanto steady the innings, forging a 36-run partnership. Farhan eventually departed after contributing 19 runs off 18 balls, including two fours and a six.

With the score at 44/2 after seven overs, Babar found a crucial partner in captainSalman Ali Agha. This pair established a rapid 76-run stand for the third wicket, firmly placing Pakistan in a dominant position. However, South Africa fought back asLizaad Williamsremoved Agha for 33 runs (26 balls, featuring two fours), andCorbin Boschdismissed Babar shortly thereafter for a brilliantly constructed 68 runs off 47 deliveries, adorned with nine boundaries.

Pakistan experienced a brief wobble, losingHasan Nawaz(5) andMohammad Nawaz(0) in quick succession. Nevertheless,Faheem Ashraf(6*) andUsman Khan(4*) calmly steered their team to victory.

For South Africa,WilliamsandBoscheach claimed two wickets, whileAndile SimelaneandDonovan Ferreirasecured one wicket apiece.

Earlier in the match, Agha's decision to bowl first proved highly effective as Pakistan's bowling attack successfully contained South Africa to a total of 139/9.Shaheen Shah Afridi, making his return, made an immediate impact, sendingQuinton de KockandLhuan-dre Pretoriusback to the pavilion for ducks, leaving the visitors in early disarray.

Dewald Brevis(21 off 22) andReeza Hendricks(34 off 36) attempted to rebuild the innings with a 38-run partnership. Still, debutantUsman TariqandMohammad Nawazmaintained pressure with crucial breakthroughs at opportune moments.

Proteas captainDonovan Ferreiraoffered late resistance, smashing a fiery 29 runs off just 14 balls, including three sixes and a four. His aggressive knock was ended byFaheem Ashraf, who dismissed him andGeorge Linde(0) off consecutive deliveries.

Corbin Boschcontributed a fighting unbeaten 30 runs from 23 balls, supported bySimelane(13), but South Africa ultimately fell short of the 140-run mark.

Shaheen was the standout bowler for Pakistan, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 26.FaheemandTariqeach picked up two wickets, whileNawazandSalman Mirzaadded one wicket apiece, completing a disciplined bowling performance.