LAHORE- Pakistan sealed the three-match T20 International series 2–1 after defeating South Africa by four wickets in the third and final match at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday night.
Chasing a 140-run target, Pakistan reached 140 for six in 19 overs, driven by a superb return-to-form half-century from Babar Azam, who top-scored with a fluent 68 off 47 balls. His knock, featuring nine boundaries, was his first T20I fifty in 13 innings since May 2024 and proved decisive in stabilizing Pakistan’s chase after an early setback at 8–1.
Babar shared a crucial 76-run third-wicket stand with captain Salman Ali Agha, whose brisk 33 off 26 balls (2x4s) kept the innings on track. Although both departed close to the finish line, Usman Khan (6*) and Faheem Ashraf (4*) held their nerve to complete the win with six balls remaining.
Earlier, South Africa posted 139 for nine after being sent in to bat. Shaheen Shah Afridi led the bowling with an impressive 3–26, removing Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius in a fiery first over. On debut, Usman Tariq made an immediate impact with figures of 2–26, while Faheem Ashraf continued his fine form, claiming 2–28.
For the visitors, Reeza Hendricks top-scored with 34, while Donovan Ferreira (29 off 14) provided late momentum, and Corbin Bosch contributed an unbeaten 30 off 23 to lift South Africa to a modest total.
The victory delighted the home crowd, who witnessed Pakistan bounce back strongly after a heavy 55-run defeat in the opening match in Rawalpindi.
Player of the Match: Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Player of the Series: Faheem Ashraf (Pakistan)
Both teams will now shift focus to a three-match ODI series starting 4 November at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.
