Babar’s brilliant knock guides Pakistan to series-clinching victory over S Africa

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Babar Azam produced a commanding half-century to lead Pakistan to a four-wicket win to seal the three-match T20I series 2-1 in style at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday.

Chasing a modest 140-run target, the Green Shirts cruised to victory with the loss of six wickets and six balls to spare.

However, the hosts had an inconsistent start to their chase as their opener Sameem Ayub fell to a six-ball duck in the second over with just eight runs on the board.

After an early flurry, Babar joined Sahibzada Farhan for a crucial 36-run partnership, which ended with the opener’s dismissal on the last delivery of the seventh over. Farhan scored an 18-ball 19 with two fours and a six.

With the scoreboard reading 44/2 in seven overs, Babar joined forces with skipper Salman Ali Agha to put the home side within touching distance as they hit a blistering 76 for the third wicket.

The pair seemed to have settled down and were in control over the line, but South Africa fought back with Lizard Williams and Corbin Bosch dismissing Aga and Babar in just five deliveries respectively.

Babar fell back after top-scoring with an anchoring 47 deliveries laced with nine boundaries, while Agha struck two on his way to 33 off 26 balls.

Back-to-back dismissals cost Pakistan two more wickets as Hasan Nawaz (five) and Muhammad Nawaz (zero) fell cheaply, bringing the equation to the required seven with 10 to spare.

But, Faheem Ashraf and Usman batted seriously to lead Pakistan to glory, scoring unbeaten sixes and fours respectively.

For South Africa, Williams and Bosh took two wickets apiece, while Andal Simeleon and Donovan Ferreira picked up a scalp apiece.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s decision to field first proved beneficial as his team’s bowling unit allowed South Africa to amass 139/9 in 20 overs.

The return of Shaheen Shah Afridi got off to a disastrous start to his innings, dismissing Quiton de Kock and Luhan Dre Pretorius for ducks.

After back-to-back setbacks, youngster DeWald Braves joined Reza Hendricks in the middle, and the pair put on a cautious 38 runs until the former fell to Usman Tariq in the eighth over.

Braves was a notable run producer for South Africa, delivering 22 off 22 with two sixes.

South Africa lost another wicket in the next over when Mohammad Nawaz cleaned up Matthew Bretzke (one) and the result was 42/4 in 8.2 overs.

Proteas captain Donovan Ferreira then tried to take the attack back to the home bowlers with a blistering cameo, but was sent back by Faheem Ashraf after scoring a brisk 14-ball 29, which included three sixes and a four.

Fahim struck again on the next delivery, outfoxing all-rounder George Linde (zero) with a short delivery, reducing South Africa to 76.6 in 11.5 overs.

Meanwhile, Hendricks, who held a tight end amid eliminations, was finally removed by debutant Tariq in the 15th over. He top-scored for the visitors with a careful 34 from 36 off 34, hitting two boundaries.

All-rounder Corbin Bush then oversaw South Africa’s batting campaign with an unbeaten 30 off 23 runs. He also shared a 23-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Andel Semyon, who contributed 13 off 10 balls.

Shaheen was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, taking three wickets for just 26 runs in his four overs. He was duly supported by Faheem and Tariq, who scored two each, while Nawaz and Salman Mirza chipped in with a scalp.

“Well done, Green Shirts,” Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi congratulated the national team on winning the T20 series, praising the players for their outstanding performance in the decisive third match.

Naqvi said the players put up a remarkable display of skill and determination to secure the victory, adding that Babar’s batting and Shaheen’s bowling played an important role in the win.

“My heartiest congratulations to captain Salman, head coach Mike Hessen, all the players, and the coaching staff,” said the PCB chairman.

He stressed that today’s victory reflected teamwork, hard work and a professional approach, noting that the cricket fans thoroughly enjoyed every match in a perfect environment.