• Babar Azam stole the show with crucial knock as Pakistan secured series victory in final T20I.

  • Babar was adjudged the Player of the Match for his exceptional innings.

Fans go gaga as Babar Azam’s gritty knock guides Pakistan to thrilling T20I series win over South Africa
Babar Azam’s heroic knock guides Pakistan to thrilling T20I series win over South Africa (Image source: X)

Pakistan edged South Africa by four wickets in a thrilling third T20I at Lahore, clinching the series 2-1. In front of a raucous Gaddafi Stadium crowd, Babar Azam’s stellar knock and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s early carnage left fans in awe as Pakistan chased down 140 with one over to spare for a memorable series triumph.

Shaheen Afridi’s early strikes decimate South Africa

Opting to bat after winning the toss, South Africa were jolted from the outset by Shaheen’s fiery pace. Shaheen struck twice in his first over, dismantling experienced opener Quinton de Kock for a duck and removing Lhuan-dre Pretorius moments later to reduce South Africa to 0/2 within the opening exchanges. Usman Tariq compounded the misery, dismissing the dangerous Reeza Hendricks and Dewald Brevis as South Africa struggled to 38/3 inside eight overs. The momentum never quite recovered for the visitors.

Despite some resistance from Donovan Ferreira, who smashed a quick 29 off 14 balls, and useful runs from Corbin Bosch (30*), South Africa found boundaries hard to come by and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Faheem Ashraf bowled with discipline in the middle overs to pick up two crucial wickets, while Salman Mirza and Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with one apiece. Shaheen returned to claim his third, finishing with 3/26 in his four overs, as South Africa limped to 139/9 at the end of their 20 overs. The pressure created by Pakistan’s bowlers, especially in the powerplay, set the tone for the hosts and excited the packed stadium.

Babar Azam anchors chase with masterful knock

Pakistan’s chase was not without its hurdles, as South Africa fought valiantly to stay in the contest. Saim Ayub fell early, but opener Sahibzada Farhan, playing confidently, partnered with senior batter Babar to resurrect the innings. Farhan’s breezy 19 laid the foundation, while Salman Agha’s 33 added crucial support. Yet it was Babar who once again proved the differentiator on a tense night.

Walking in under pressure, Babar combined composure with controlled aggression, accumulating singles and expertly dispatching anything loose. He brought up his fifty in just 36 balls, peppering the fence with crisp drives and wristy flicks. Babar’s 68 from 47 balls, including nine elegant boundaries, anchored the chase, even as wickets tumbled around him in the final overs. South Africa managed to prick the nerves by bagging Agha and Babar in successive overs, but Usman and Ashraf kept their cool.

Ultimately, Pakistan reached the target of 140 with four wickets and six balls to spare, setting off wild celebrations among players and fans. The magnitude of Babar’s knock, inscribed under pressure and on a tricky pitch, elevated him yet again in the pantheon of Pakistan cricket. As fans erupted for their skipper’s remarkable effort and Afridi’s opening spell, Pakistan’s series win against a determined South African outfit turned the Gaddafi Stadium into a cauldron of national pride.

Also READ: Babar Azam breaks Rohit Sharma’s T20I record as Pakistan thrash South Africa

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Also READ: List of most T20I ducks for Pakistan ft. Babar Azam and Shahid Afridi

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About the Author:
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on , , and .