By Asif Naveed
LAHORE; Pakistan roared back into the three-match T20I series with a commanding nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the second match at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, thanks to a fiery half-century from Saim Ayub and a devastating bowling display led by Faheem Ashraf and Salman Mirza.
Chasing a modest 111-run target, Pakistan wrapped up the game comfortably with 41 balls to spare, losing only one wicket. Openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan provided a flying start with a 54-run stand before Farhan fell to Corbin Bosch for 28 off 23 balls.
Ayub continued his brilliant form, smashing an unbeaten 71 off just 38 deliveries, including six fours and five sixes. Babar Azam remained not out on 11, guiding Pakistan to an easy win and leveling the series 1-1. Bosch was the lone wicket-taker for South Africa.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s decision to bowl first paid off as South Africa were bundled out for just 110 in 19.2 overs. Salman Mirza struck early, removing Reeza Hendricks on the second ball, while Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf dismantled the middle order.
Dewald Brevis was South Africa’s top scorer with 25 off 16, hitting three sixes, before falling to Faheem. The all-rounder finished with impressive figures of 4-23, while Mirza bagged 3-14 and Naseem claimed 2-28. Abrar Ahmed chipped in with one wicket.
The final match of the series will now serve as the decider, with Pakistan looking to clinch the series on home soil.
Teams:
South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira (capt), George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman, Lungi Ngidi.
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha (capt), Usman Khan (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed.
