Pakistan sealed a 2–1 series victory against South Africa after a confident six-wicket win in the third and final Twenty20 International at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Electing to field first after winning the toss, Pakistan restricted South Africa to 139 for nine in their 20 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi led the bowling with three wickets for 26 runs, while Faheem Ashraf and Usman Tariq claimed two each. Salman Mirza and Mohammad Nawaz took one wicket apiece.
South Africa suffered an early collapse as Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius were dismissed without scoring. Reeza Hendricks tried to steady the innings with 34 from 36 balls, while Donovan Ferreira provided some resistance with 29 off 14, including three sixes. Corbin Bosch’s unbeaten 30 guided the visitors to a modest total.
In reply, Pakistan’s chase was anchored by former Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who struck a fluent 68 from 47 deliveries, hitting nine boundaries. Pakistan captain Salman Agha supported him well with 33 off 26. Sahibzada Farhan added 19, while Faheem Ashraf saw the side home with an unbeaten four.
Lizaad Williams and Corbin Bosch took two wickets each for South Africa, while Ferreira and Simelane claimed one apiece.
Pakistan reached the target with one ball to spare, finishing on 140 for six in 18.6 overs. The result handed the home side a 2–1 series triumph.
The match began at 8.00 pm local time, with South Africa’s innings producing 22 runs for two wickets in the powerplay. Pakistan, in contrast, managed 36 for one in their first six overs.
This contest marked the T20I debut of Usman Tariq, who impressed with figures of two for 26.
The victory underscored Pakistan’s dominance at home, wrapping up a well-fought series in front of a lively Lahore crowd.
