The South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd T20 International at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on October 31, 2025, witnessed a commanding display by the hosts as Pakistan crushed South Africa by 9 wickets to level the series 1-1. With outstanding bowling from Faheem Ashraf and Salman Mirza, followed by a powerful batting display led by Saim Ayub, Pakistan showcased dominance in all departments to bounce back after their loss in the first match.
South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd T20I – Match Overview
After losing the opening T20I, Pakistan entered the second game under pressure to perform. The Gaddafi Stadium crowd created an electrifying atmosphere, cheering loudly as the Men in Green looked to make a comeback. South Africa, meanwhile, hoped to seal the series early but were met with a clinical Pakistani bowling attack that dismantled their lineup with precision.
The Proteas, who had shown aggression in the first match, failed to replicate their momentum, succumbing to Pakistan’s disciplined bowling and smart field placements.
South Africa’s Innings – Struggles from Start to Finish
After losing the toss, South Africa got to bat first, but losing the toss backfired on them. Pakistan’s new-ball duo of Salman Mirza and Naseem Shah struck early, putting the visitors on the back foot right from the power play.
Early Breakthroughs Set the Tone
- Salman Mirza, playing his sixth international T20, produced a sensational spell of 3/14 in his four overs, including the crucial wickets of Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, and Matthew Breetzke.
- Faheem Ashraf complemented him perfectly, claiming 4/23, as South Africa found themselves reeling at 66/6 halfway through the innings.
The top order’s collapse forced the middle order to consolidate, but the Pakistani bowlers maintained relentless pressure with sharp lines and intelligent variations.
Lower Order Resistance
Dewald Brevis (25 off 16) tried to anchor the innings, but regular wickets at the other end prevented South Africa from building any partnerships. None of the other batters could cross the 20-run mark, and the team was bowled out for a mere 110 runs in 19.2 overs.
Key Bowling Figures (Pakistan)
- Salman Mirza – 3/14 (4 overs)
- Faheem Ashraf – 4/23 (3.2 overs)
- Naseem Shah – 2/28 (4 overs)
- Abrar Ahmed – 1/26 (4 overs)
Pakistan’s sharp fielding and disciplined bowling were the standout features, with every bowler contributing to the team’s success.
Pakistan’s Chase – Saim Ayub Shines with a Brilliant Fifty
Chasing a modest total of 111 runs, Pakistan’s opening pair of Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan came out with clear intent. Saim, known for his aggressive style, took control from the very beginning, punishing loose deliveries and rotating the strike effectively.
Powerplay Domination
Pakistan's first wicket fell at 54/1 in 6.4 overs, with Saim Ayub leading the charge. His elegant strokeplay and fearless hitting put South Africa’s bowlers under immense pressure.
Saim Ayub’s Match-Winning Knock
The left-handed opener remained unbeaten with a magnificent 71 not out off 38 balls, hitting 6 fours and 5 sixes. His knock not only guided Pakistan to victory but also earned him widespread praise for his maturity and composure.
At the other end, Sahibzada Farhan provided solid support with 28 off 23 balls, before being dismissed by Corbin Bosch.
Key Batting Figures (Pakistan)
- Saim Ayub – 71* (38 balls, 6 fours, 5 sixes)
- Sahibzada Farhan – 28 (23 balls, 3 sixes)
- Babar Azam – 11* (18 balls, 1 four)
Pakistan reached 112/1 in just 13.1 overs, sealing a comprehensive 9-wicket victory.
South Africa’s Bowling – Lack of Penetration
South Africa’s bowlers failed to make an impact on the slow Lahore pitch. Their pacers struggled with line and length, while the spinners couldn’t extract much turn.
Corbin Bosch picked up the only wicket of the innings, dismissing Sahibzada Farhan. Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi were wicketless, while Ottniel Baartman was expensive, conceding over 6 runs per over without a breakthrough. The Proteas lacked aggression and looked flat after Pakistan’s early dominance with the ball.
South Africa Bowling Summary
- Nandre Burger - 0/14 (2 overs)
- Lungi Ngidi - 0/14 (2 overs)
- Corbin Bosch - 1/17 (2 overs)
- Otthiel Baartman - 0/34 (2 overs)
- Donovan Ferreira - 0/22 (3.1 overs)
- George Linde - 0/11 (2 overs)
Player of the Match – Salman Mirza
The Player of the Match award went to Salman Mirza for his sensational spell of 3/14, which ripped through South Africa’s top order. His consistent pace, control, and movement with the new ball showcased his potential as one of Pakistan’s rising bowling stars.
Turning Points of the Match
- Early Breakthroughs by Salman Mirza: His double strike in the power play pushed South Africa on the defensive.
- Faheem Ashraf’s Mid-Innings Burst: His 4 wickets broke South Africa’s backbone and limited them to a low total.
- Saim Ayub’s Dominance: His fluent strokeplay ensured Pakistan chased comfortably without any pressure.
South Africa vs Pakistan – Series Level at 1-1
This emphatic win brought the South Africa vs Pakistan series to life, leveling it 1-1 with one match remaining. Both teams now gear up for the decider on November 3, 2025, also at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Pakistan will look to maintain its momentum and clinch the series at home, while South Africa must regroup quickly and address their batting weaknesses if it wishes to stage a comeback.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 110 all out (19.2 overs) | Lost by 9 wickets |
| Pakistan | 112/1 (13.1 overs) | Won by 9 wickets |
| Player of the Match | Salman Mirza (3/14) | |
| Top Scorer (Pakistan) | Saim Ayub – 71* (38 balls) | |
Conclusion
The South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd T20I was a statement victory for Pakistan. After a disappointing first match, the Men in Green bounced back stunningly, thanks to excellent bowling and a superb batting display. This performance highlighted Pakistan’s depth and resilience, while South Africa’s struggle exposed their inconsistency under pressure.
With the series now perfectly poised at 1-1, cricket fans await an exciting finale on Sunday as both sides battle for supremacy in the T20 format.
Disclaimer
This article is based on verified match data and live updates from official cricket sources. Player statistics and match results are accurate as of November 1, 2025.
Source
- ESPN Cricinfo – Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd T20I Full Scorecard
- Cricbuzz – South Africa Tour of Pakistan 2025, 2nd T20I