A Night Lahore Will Remember
Finally, the wait was over. The Gaddafi Stadium came alive under the lights as Pakistan chased down 140 to clinch the series.
The star? Babar Azam, back in full flow, delivering an imperious 68 off 47 — his 37th T20I fifty and his first since May 2024. Every stroke screamed confidence, every cheer echoed relief.
He carried Pakistan’s chase when things looked shaky early. Saim Ayub’s early dismissal for a duck brought tension, but Babar stood tall, rebuilding patiently alongside Salman Ali Agha.
Shaheen Shah Afridi – The Thunder Before the Calm
Before Babar’s brilliance came the storm. Shaheen Shah Afridi delivered yet another opening over masterclass.
First ball — swing, deflection, and Quinton de Kock’s stumps shattered. Next up, Pretorius clipped one straight to short fine leg. Two wickets in an over.
The MCG-style crowd roar? Deafening. The South Africans? Stunned.
Even Dewald Brevis barely survived an lbw scare as Shaheen’s pace and seam movement lit up the powerplay. His spell crushed South Africa to 22/2 in six overs, their third-lowest T20I powerplay ever.
South Africa’s Fight – Bosch the Bright Spot
Corbin Bosch tried to bring South Africa back, scoring a gritty 30 not out off 23 and picking up two wickets later.
With help from Reeza Hendricks and a quick burst by Donovan Ferreira, they reached 139/8 — a score that looked competitive for a moment, but not enough against Pakistan’s fire.
Babar Azam – The Calm Commander
When Ayub fell, the crowd roared — not in disappointment, but anticipation. Babar Azam was walking in.
He began quietly, but once settled, he unleashed a masterclass in timing. Nine fours, effortless running, and perfect shot placement.
His partnership of 76 off 52 balls with Agha Salman stabilized the innings. Every over, the crowd chanted his name louder.
He swept George Linde fine, punched Baartman straight, and brought up his half-century with three consecutive boundaries — vintage Babar.
Nawaz’s Off Day – Brevis and Ferreira Counterattack
Mohammad Nawaz, who’s been in excellent touch recently, faced a reality check. Brevis and Ferreira went after him, hitting two sixes and a four in one over.
Nawaz still managed a wicket, but leaked 38 runs in 3 overs, giving South Africa a glimmer of hope.
Still, Pakistan’s overall bowling unit — led by Shaheen (3/21) and Faheem Ashraf — kept things tight.
Redemption. Roar. Relief.
When Babar finally mistimed a shot to deep square leg, he walked off to a standing ovation. The crowd knew — their captain was back.
His innings didn’t just win a match — it restored confidence in a player and a team rediscovering its rhythm.
Pakistan closed the chase with one over to spare, winning by four wickets and sealing the series 2-1.
Stats Recap:
- Babar Azam – 68 (47), 9 fours
- Shaheen Afridi – 3/21
- Pakistan – 140/6 (19 overs)
- South Africa – 139/8 (20 overs)
- Result: Pakistan won by 4 wickets
- Series: Pakistan wins 2-1
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