Finally, Pakistani cricket fans had their long-awaited ending. Babar Azam’s captain’s knock of a classy 68 off 47 balls led Pakistan to a 2-1 series victory over South Africa. Nine fours littered his innings as the hosts chased down 140 runs comfortably with six wickets and an over to spare at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
With the innings representing his 37th T20I fifty, Barbie’s return to form since May 2024 was just very timely. He was measured, yet authoritative; had Pakistan faced any late drama that could have jeopardised their series victory, it would have been due to his innings.
PAK vs SA 3rd T20I Highlights: How the Match Unfolded
Pakistan didn’t have it easy early on despite a modest chase. Saim Ayub fell for a duck, and Corbin Bosch plugged one end up with some tight bowling alongside George Linde. The required rate had crept close to eight runs per over by the eighth over.
Till then, Babar Azam and Agha Salman had steadied the innings with a very important 76-run stand off 52 balls, combining smart running with elegant stroke play. Both fell close to the finish line, but the damage was done — Pakistan sealed the game and the T20I series 2-1.
Double Strike by Shaheen Afridi Rocks South Africa
The Pakistan victory was set in motion early on by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who yet again entertained the crowd during the powerplay. The left-arm pacer struck two in his very first over itself, sending the likes of Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius to the collapser’s chair in quick succession.
Afridi’s deadly swing delivery uprooted de Kock’s stumps, while Pretorius clipped straight to short fine leg. He almost had a third wicket as Dewald Brevis was trapped in front, but the DRS overturned the call. Still, his pacy spell ensured that South Africa managed just 22 in the powerplay, their third-lowest in T20I history.
South Africa’s Middle Order Fights Back
Despite the early collapse, Reeza Hendricks anchored the innings for South Africa with grit, supported briefly by Dewald Brevis and captain Donovan Ferreira. In-form Mohammad Nawaz this year was on the receiving end as both Brevis and Ferreira went after him for a bunch of sixes and fours.
The off-spinner did pick up the valuable wicket of Matthew Breetzke, but leaked 38 runs in three overs, ensuring that South Africa could rebuild in the middle phase of the innings. Bosch’s unbeaten late 30 off 23 propelled the visitors to 139 for 8, giving their bowlers something to bowl at.
Read More
Babar Azam lit up the Gaddafi stadium
Every time Babar Azam walks in to bat, the energy in Pakistan’s stadiums surges, and Lahore was no different. The crowd erupted as he strode out after Ayub’s early dismissal, hoping for a vintage Babar knock. He started cautiously, getting his first boundary off the ninth ball, before finding his rhythm.
Refreshingly, Babar played the sweep shot nicely against the spinners, at one point lifting George Linde over fine leg. While timing continued to pose problems for his partners, Babar took complete charge of the chase, and he produced a clinical innings reminiscent of his best.
When the South Africa bowlers got distracted in length, Babar capitalized it, three successive boundaries off Ottniel Baartman got him his half-century off 36 balls. Even Corbin Bosch, who had bowled economically till then, wasn’t spared as Babar lifted him for boundaries through mid-on and cover.
The 68-run-long innings not only anchored the run chase of Pakistan but also brought back hope among fans that their batting maestro is back to his best.
Pakistan Seal the Series 2-1
This win wrapped up the series for Pakistan, 2-1 in the PAK vs SA T20I series to give the home fans plenty to celebrate. The opening burst by Shaheen Afridi and the calm yet commanding knock of Babar Azam defined the decider, while Agha Salman’s support role was crucial in stabilizing the innings.
Despite Corbin Bosch’s all-round performance – 2 wickets & 30* runs, South Africa were unable to stop Pakistan from achieving victory. This was a much-needed return to consistency for Pakistan in T20I cricket.
Key Performances – PAK vs SA 3rd T20I at Lahore
| Player | Team | Performance | Details |
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | $68^* (47)$ | Match-winning knock |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Pakistan | $3/22$ | Two wickets in the first over |
| Corbin Bosch | South Africa | $2/24$ & $30^*$ | All-round performance |
| Agha Salman | Pakistan | $36 (28)$ | The important partnership with Babar |
| Reeza Hendricks | South Africa | $27 (25)$ | Top scorer for SA |
ALSO READ: IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians Released Players – Major Squad Overhaul Ahead Of New Season
