Pakistan had a two-one lead in the three-match T20 series. They racked up 140 runs in just 19 overs while losing six wickets in the process. The squad put in a complete team performance. Babar Azam was the first to bat, and he was in sparkling form, belting a 47-ball 68 to lead the charge. This victory solidifies Pakistan’s successful run in the T20 format of the game. They are building to a peak as their eyes become focused on their biggest competitions ahead.
During the contest, South Africa’s bowlers contributed to the tight match with a disciplined performance, conceding only five extras, which included one no-ball and four wides. Donovan Ferreira – 3/10 Donovan Ferreira returned with the ball, taking one wicket for 30 runs in his four overs. Corbin Bosch had shown his brilliance, taking two wickets for only 24 runs in his four overs. George Linde made an impact, keeping a tight grip on the scoring at 20 runs in six overs with no wickets.
Saim Ayub couldn’t impose himself at the crease as he went without scoring in six deliveries. Sahibzada Farhan continued his aggressive approach, scoring 19 runs in just 18 balls. The real linchpin was Babar Azam, who held and controlled the innings with his brilliant batting and strokeplay at the top of the order. Azam was ably supported by Salman Ali Agha, whose 33 from 26 balls inched Pakistan closer in a solid second wicket partnership of 66 off 58.
Our middle-order batsmen struggled when it was their turn to bat. Usman Khan had made six runs off seven balls while Hasan Nawaz had added five runs from eight balls. Mohammad Nawaz was the next man to go, sent back for a duck after one ball faced. Faheem Ashraf gave the innings a late flourish with four runs off the penultimate ball before the innings ended with a dot ball.
The batsmen have certainly done their part, but so too everyone’s new favorite bowlers, the Pakistanis. Having set a very competitive total, they’ll now get ready to face whatever challenge comes next. Unfortunately for Shaheen Shah Afridi, he didn’t have a chance to bat in this match, as the innings ended before he had the opportunity.
Quinton de Kock served as the wicketkeeper for South Africa, overseeing a challenging chase but ultimately falling short of achieving the target set by Pakistan.
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