By Hammad Aziz
Lahore: Pakistan roared back into the series with a commanding nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the second T20 International at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, leveling the three-match series 1–1 ahead of the decider.
Chasing a modest target of 111, Pakistan cruised home with 41 balls to spare, led by a sparkling 71 not out from Saim Ayub and a solid bowling display that dismantled South Africa for 110 in 19.2 overs.
The hosts’ decision to bowl first proved spot-on, as Salman Mirza, playing just his sixth T20I, struck in his opening over to remove Reeza Hendricks for a duck. Mirza continued to wreak havoc, dismissing Tony de Zorzi and Matthew Breetzke, finishing with career-best figures of 3 for 14.
Pacer Faheem Ashraf delivered a game-changing spell in the middle overs, claiming 4 for 23, including the wickets of Dewald Brevis (25), Donovan Ferreira (15), and George Linde (10). Naseem Shah chipped in with two wickets, while Abrar Ahmed took one.
South Africa’s batting collapsed under relentless pressure, with only Brevis offering brief resistance through three sixes in his quickfire cameo. From 23 for 4, the visitors never recovered, losing wickets regularly before being bowled out just short of their 20 overs.
In response, Pakistan’s openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan gave the hosts a blistering start, adding 54 runs in the powerplay. Farhan departed for 28 off 23, trapped lbw by Corbin Bosch, South Africa’s only wicket-taker.
Ayub, however, continued his assault, bringing up his first T20I fifty at home with a display of clean, inventive hitting — six fours and five sixes in just 38 balls. He was joined by Babar Azam, who calmly guided Pakistan home with an unbeaten 11 off 18 balls, while also surpassing Rohit Sharma to become the leading run-scorer in T20 internationals.
Pakistan’s victory was emphatic — built on disciplined bowling, smart captaincy from Salman Ali Agha, and a fearless chase led by their young batting star.
The win sets up an exciting finale as Pakistan and South Africa face off in the series decider in Lahore on Saturday.
