The much-anticipated South Africa vs Pakistan 3rd T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, lived up to its billing as a nail-biter, with Pakistan pulling off a thrilling 4-wicket win to claim the three-match series 2-1. The encounter showcased gripping moments, top-class bowling, and a nerve-wracking chase that kept fans on the edge of their seats till the final over. With this victory, Pakistan not only secured the series but also displayed impressive depth and resilience under pressure.
First Innings – South Africa Struggle to Build Momentum
South Africa, batting first after losing the toss, found themselves in trouble early as Pakistan’s bowling attack delivered with precision. The visitors could never really find the momentum they needed on a sluggish pitch that offered some assistance to both pace and spin.
Opener Reeza Hendricks looked promising, anchoring the innings with a fighting knock of 34 off 36 balls, but lacked consistent support from the other end. A string of wickets at regular intervals disrupted South Africa’s rhythm, with middle-order batsmen failing to convert starts into big scores. The Pakistani bowlers maintained tight lines, effectively choking the run flow through the middle overs.
Shaheen Afridi and Salman Mirza were the standout bowlers, combining disciplined seam bowling with deceptive slower deliveries that tested the South African batters. The visitors eventually managed to post 139/9 in their allotted 20 overs, a total that seemed below par given Pakistan’s batting depth.
Also Read: South Africa vs Pakistan: Pakistan Crushes South Africa by 9 Wickets in 2nd T20I
Pakistan’s Chase – Early Setbacks and Middle-Order Recovery
Chasing 140 for victory, Pakistan didn’t get the ideal start as they lost both openers inside the 7 overs. South Africa’s pace duo struck early, exploiting movement off the pitch and putting Pakistan under immediate pressure at 44/2.
However, the experienced Babar Azam steadied the innings with a composed knock, ensuring the hosts stayed within reach of the target. His partnership with Salman Ali Agha, who played with flair and confidence, turned the tide in Pakistan’s favor. Babar's aggressive stroke play, including a couple of crisp boundaries, lifted the scoring rate just when it was needed most.
The middle order held its ground despite a few hiccups. Babar Azam smashed 68 off 47 balls before being dismissed, helping Pakistan edge closer to victory. The crowd roared as Pakistan sealed the chase in 19 overs, finishing at 140/6, securing a memorable 4-wicket win in front of a jubilant home crowd.
Bowling Brilliance – The Deciding Factor
While the batsmen did their job, Pakistan’s victory was largely built on a foundation of bowling brilliance. Shaheen Afridi was rightly lauded for his spell of 3/26, dismantling South Africa’s top order at crucial junctures. Faheem Ashraf and Usman Tariq also chipped in with valuable wickets, ensuring that the visitors never gained momentum.
South Africa’s bowlers, on the other hand, fought valiantly. Corbin Bosch and Donovan Ferreira bowled with good line and purpose, claiming early breakthroughs that briefly gave the visitors hope. But with a modest total to defend, their task became increasingly difficult once Pakistan’s middle order settled.
Key Takeaways from the Series
The Pakistan vs South Africa T20I series turned out to be a fascinating contest of skill and temperament. Pakistan’s victory in the final match highlighted their ability to perform under pressure and adapt to different conditions. The emergence of young talents like Saim Ayub and Salman Mirza has added depth to the squad, providing a strong foundation ahead of future international fixtures.
For South Africa, the series was a learning curve. Their inconsistent batting remains a concern, but there were positives in their bowling unit’s discipline and the promising performances from new players. As both sides look ahead to their next assignments, the series provided crucial insights into their evolving T20 strategies.
Fans Celebrate Another Lahore Classic
The Gaddafi Stadium once again witnessed an electrifying atmosphere, with fans turning out in large numbers to cheer their heroes. Every wicket, every boundary, and every run chase moment drew loud applause, reaffirming Pakistan’s passion for cricket. The series win not only boosted team morale but also reinforced Pakistan’s formidable record on home soil.
Conclusion
The South Africa vs Pakistan 3rd T20I results delivered exactly what cricket fans hoped for — intensity, skill, and drama. Pakistan’s ability to bounce back after early setbacks, combined with disciplined bowling and composed finishing, marked a fitting end to a competitive series. As both teams regroup for future challenges, the thrilling finale in Lahore will be remembered as a testament to Pakistan’s resilience and the enduring spirit of T20 cricket.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on official match reports and live coverage from trusted sports media sources. For the most recent updates, please refer to Google Sports Coverage of SA vs PAK.
Author: Prashant Sanjeeva Sherigara