Third T20: Pakistan defeat South Africa by four wickets to clinch series 2-1

LAHORE: Pakistan wrapped up the three-match T20I series 2-1 after defeating South Africa by four wickets in the decisive third match at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Following an impressive bowling display, Pakistan’s batters carried the momentum, chasing down the 140-run target with six balls to spare.

Star batter Babar Azam led the run chase with a composed 68-run knock, while skipper Salman Ali Agha contributed 33 runs and Sahibzada Farhan added 19.

Earlier, South Africa were restricted to 139 for 9 in their 20 overs, as Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack dominated from the start. Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Quinton de Kock and LD Pretorius in the opening over, maintaining his record of striking early.

Reeza Hendricks (34), Corbin Bosch (30), and captain Donovan Ferreira (29) were the top scorers for South Africa.

For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi took three wickets, while debutant spinner Usman Tariq and Faheem Ashraf picked up two each. Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Mirza claimed one wicket apiece.

The victory sealed Pakistan’s comeback after losing the first T20I in Rawalpindi by 55 runs. The hosts had levelled the series in Lahore with a dominant nine-wicket win in the second match, where opener Saim Ayub scored an unbeaten 71 and Faheem Ashraf took four wickets for just 23 runs.