Faheem, Salman, and Saim Star in Pakistan’s Thumping Victory at Gaddafi Stadium

LAHORE: Pakistan bounced back strongly in the second T20I, securing a dominant nine-wicket win over South Africa thanks to a brilliant all-round bowling performance and a classy unbeaten half-century from Saim Ayub at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

Chasing a modest 111, Pakistan made light work of the target, reaching 111/1 with 41 balls to spare. The chase was set up by an explosive start from openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, who added 54 runs in quick time.

The partnership was broken in the seventh over when Corbin Bosch trapped Farhan lbw for 28 off 23 balls, which included three sixes. From there, Saim found a steady partner in Babar Azam, and the pair comfortably guided Pakistan home with an unbeaten 64-run stand.

Saim was the standout performer with the bat, smashing an unbeaten 71 off just 38 balls, laced with six fours and five towering sixes. Babar remained not out on 11 from 18 deliveries. Bosch was the only wicket-taker for South Africa.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s decision to bowl first proved spot on, as his bowlers bundled out South Africa for just 110 in 19.2 overs.

Young pacer Salman Mirza got Pakistan off to a flying start by removing Reeza Hendricks for a duck in just the second ball of the match. Naseem Shah and Salman then struck in successive overs to leave South Africa struggling at 15/3.

Salman, who had earlier dropped Matthew Breetzke off Naseem’s bowling, made up for it by bowling him with a sharp leg-cutter. With the visitors tottering at 23/4, Dewald Brevis tried to fight back with a quickfire 25 off 16 balls, hitting three sixes, but Faheem Ashraf dismissed him with a well-directed short ball.

Faheem then went on to remove skipper Donovan Ferreira and George Linde in his following overs, tightening Pakistan’s grip on the contest. Naseem Shah also chipped in with two wickets, including Corbin Bosch for 11, while Abrar Ahmed cleaned up Nandre Burger towards the end.

Faheem finished as the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 23 in 3.2 overs, while Salman Mirza impressed with figures of 3 for 14 from his four overs. Naseem claimed two wickets, and Abrar took one as South Africa folded for 110.

With this comprehensive win, Pakistan leveled the three-match T20I series 1-1, setting up an exciting decider.