LAHORE: Shaheen Shah Afridi’s fiery three-wicket haul rattled South Africa’s lineup before Babar Azam’s classy half-century steered Pakistan to a thrilling four-wicket victory in front of a roaring, packed crowd at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Set 140 under lights at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan hit the winning runs on the loss of six wickets with one over to spare.
With this emphatic win, Green Shirts clinched the three-match T20I series 2-1.
Pakistan had a shaky start as opener Saim Ayub, who dazzled in the second T20I, was caught for a six-ball duck in the second over. As a result, the home side were 8-1 in 1.5 overs.
Babar Azam’s Half-Century
However, Sahizbada Farhan and Babar Azam added 36 runs for the second-wicket partnership, which brought the total to 44. Farhan departed after scoring 19 off 18 with the aid of two fours and a six.
The target wasn’t stiff as skipper Salman Ali Agha took his time and forged a 76-run partnership with Babar Azam, which drove Pakistan in the chase.
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Salman nudged singles with no scoreboard pressure, whereas Babar Azam brought up his 40th T20I half-century in his style off Baartman’s in the 11th over.
Pakistan eventually cruised to a comfortable victory despite Babar Azam and Salman Ali Agha departing in a quick session in back-to-back (15th and 16th) overs.
Salman struck two fours on his way to 33 from 26, while Babar’s 68 from 47 was laced with nine fours.
South Africa Innings
Lizaad Williams and Corbin Bosch remained the pick of bowlers for South Africa with two wickets to their name.
Earlier, after being put into bat, South Africa could only muster 139-9 in their 20 overs as clinical bowling from the home side ensured that the visitors didn’t post an imposing total.
Reeza Hendricks remained the top-scorer for the visitors, with 34 from 36 balls. Corbin Bosch also impressed with his late cameo at the back end of the innings. He hit two fours in his 30 off 23 deliveries.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi starred with the ball, scalping three wickets in his quota of four overs. Debutant Usman Tariq also bagged two wickets in his four overs.
