Babar Azam rediscovered his contact with a fluent half-century as Pakistan edged previous South Africa by 4 wickets within the sequence decider on the Gaddafi Stadium, sealing a 2–1 victory within the three-match T20I sequence.
After a chronic lean patch, Babar produced an aesthetic knock of 68 off 47 balls, his first T20I fifty in 18 months — the earlier one coming towards Eire in Dublin in Might 2024. The precise-hander reached his milestone in 36 balls, anchoring Pakistan’s chase of 140 with trademark magnificence and precision.
Pakistan vs South Africa, third T20I Highlights
His innings, laced with 9 boundaries, ensured Pakistan stayed in management regardless of common hiccups within the center overs.
Chasing 140, Pakistan obtained off to a shaky begin as Saim Ayub was dismissed for a duck, equaling Umar Akmal’s report for probably the most T20I geese by a Pakistan participant.
Sahibzada Farhan (19) and Babar steadied the innings with a 36-run stand earlier than Agha Salman (33 off 26) offered very important assist to his skipper in a 76-run partnership that tilted the sport decisively in Pakistan’s favour.
Although just a few late wickets stored South Africa , Faheem Ashraf’s composed end guided Pakistan dwelling with six balls to spare at 140/6.
SHAHEEN ROCKS PROTEAS
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers arrange the victory with a disciplined efficiency, limiting South Africa to 139/9. Shaheen Shah Afridi led from the entrance with figures of three for 26, whereas debutant Usman Tariq, the off-spinner, impressed on his T20I debut with 2 for 26, together with the essential wickets of Reeza Hendricks (34) and Dewald Brevis (21).
Faheem Ashraf additionally chipped in with two wickets because the guests struggled to construct momentum regardless of Donovan Ferreira’s brisk 29 off 14 balls.
With this win, Pakistan not solely clinched the sequence but in addition discovered renewed confidence of their batting chief. For Babar Azam, this innings was greater than only a fifty — it was an announcement of resurgence, reaffirming his stature as Pakistan’s premier T20 batter forward of the upcoming worldwide season.
Transient Scores
South Africa: 139/9 in 20 overs. Reza Hendricks (34), Corbin Bosch (30*); Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/26), Usman Tariq (2/26)
Pakistan: 140/6 in 19 overs. Babar Azam (68), Salman Agha (33); Corbin Bosch(2/24), Lizaad Williams(2/26)
Consequence:Pakistan beat South Africa by 4 wickets
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