Babar Azam’s Heroics Power Pakistan to Series Win Over South Africa
LAHORE: Star batter Babar Azam led from the front with a classy unbeaten half-century as Pakistan defeated South Africa by four wickets in the decisive third T20I at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, sealing the three-match series 2–1.
After being outplayed in the opening game, Pakistan bounced back strongly to claim the series, thanks to a disciplined bowling display followed by a composed chase.Set a modest 140-run target, Pakistan reached home with six balls and six wickets remaining, with Babar anchoring the innings with a fluent 68 off 47 balls, laced with nine boundaries.
The chase, however, began shakily as Saim Ayub fell for a duck early in the innings. Sahibzada Farhan joined Babar and added some stability with an 18-ball 19 before perishing in the seventh over, leaving Pakistan at 44/2.
Babar then found strong support in skipper Salman Ali Agha, and the duo put Pakistan in control through a 76-run stand for the third wicket. Agha’s brisk 33 off 26 balls included two boundaries and showcased fine intent before both batters fell in quick succession — Agha to Lizaad Williams and Babar to Corbin Bosch.
Pakistan briefly stumbled, losing Hasan Nawaz (5) and Mohammad Nawaz (0) cheaply, but Faheem Ashraf (6)* and Usman (4)* held their nerve to complete the win.For South Africa, Williams and Bosch claimed two wickets apiece, while Andile Simelane and Donovan Ferreira took one each.
Earlier, Pakistan’s decision to bowl first paid off handsomely as the visitors were restricted to 139/9 in their 20 overs.
Returning spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi set the tone early by removing both Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius for ducks, putting the Proteas on the back foot. Dewald Brevis (21 off 22) and Reeza Hendricks (34 off 36) tried to steady the innings, adding 38 runs before debutant Usman Tariq struck in the eighth over.
The wickets kept tumbling as Mohammad Nawaz removed Matthew Breetzke (1), and Faheem Ashraf’s double strike — dismissing Donovan Ferreira (29 off 14) and George Linde (0) in consecutive balls — left South Africa reeling at 76/6.
Bosch provided a late push with an unbeaten 30 off 23, supported briefly by Simelane (13), helping his side reach a somewhat respectable total.
Shaheen finished with impressive figures of 3/26, while Faheem Ashraf and Usman Tariq claimed two wickets each. Nawaz and Salman Mirza also chipped in with one apiece to wrap up a convincing all-round performance from the home side.
