Second T20: Pakistan defeat South Africa by nine wickets to level series

LAHORE: Pakistan produced a commanding performance in the second T20 International, defeating South Africa by nine wickets to level the three-match series 1-1.

Playing at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan comfortably chased down the modest target of 111 runs in the 14th over for the loss of just one wicket. Opener Saim Ayub starred with an unbeaten knock of 71 runs, while Babar Azam remained not out on 11.

Opener Sahibzada Farhan scored 28 runs off 23 balls before being dismissed by Corbin Bosch.

Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers had dismantled the South African batting lineup, bowling them out for just 110 runs in 19.2 overs. Salman Mirza troubled the top order early, while Faheem Ashraf cleaned up the lower order with disciplined bowling.

Faheem Ashraf finished with figures of 4 wickets for 23 runs, Salman Mirza took 3 for 14, Naseem Shah claimed two wickets, and Abrar Ahmed picked up one.

South Africa’s Reeza Hendricks was bowled on the second ball of the innings by a superb inswinger from Salman Mirza. Quinton de Kock and Tony de Zorzi scored 7 runs each, while Matthew Breetzke made 10. Dewald Brevis top-scored with 25 before being dismissed by Faheem Ashraf. Captain Donovan Ferreira managed 15, George Linde 9, and Corbin Bosch 11 runs.

It may be recalled that South Africa had won the first T20 by 55 runs in Rawalpindi, where Pakistan were bowled out for 139 while chasing 195.

The decider of the T20 series will be played on November 1 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.