Lahore: (Tassawar News) The three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series between Pakistan and South Africa is now perfectly poised, following a spectacular and thoroughly dominant performance by the home side in the second encounter at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium. Pakistan, having suffered a significant defeat in the series opener, orchestrated a comprehensive nine-wicket victory to level the contest at 1-1, thus setting the stage for a thrilling series decider. This impressive resurgence highlighted a clinical all-round display, spearheaded by sensational bowling and a blistering batting effort from a young star.
A Masterclass in Pace Bowling: Dismantling the Proteas’ Batting Lineup
The tone for the Green Shirts’ triumph was established by a formidable and relentless pace attack, which capitalized effectively on the conditions after Captain Agha Salman Ali’s shrewd decision to bowl first upon winning the toss. The South African batting unit crumbled under sustained pressure, a stark contrast to their robust showing in the first T20I in Rawalpindi. The visitors were bundled out for a paltry total of 110 runs in just 19.2 overs, a score that proved entirely insufficient to challenge the determined host team.
Sensational Spell from Debutant Salman Mirza
The bowling efforts were particularly notable for the inclusion and immediate impact of Salman Mirza, who replaced the rested star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi. Mirza delivered a dream spell with the new ball, demonstrating exceptional control and movement to tear through the South African top order.
“The plan was simple to bowl within the stumps and according to the wicket, and as per the condition. The quicker they assess, the better they get the result.” – Salman Mirza, Player of the Match, commenting on his strategy.
Mirza’s initial assault was devastating, accounting for Reeza Hendricks who was bowled for a duck on only the second delivery of the innings. He further contributed to the early collapse by dismissing Tony de Zorzi for 7 and Matthew Breetzke for a mere 5, finishing with remarkable figures of 3 wickets for just 14 runs. This phenomenal new-ball burst ensured the Proteas were reeling at 23 for 4 inside the first five overs, effectively crippling their innings before it could gain momentum.
Faheem Ashraf’s Middle-Over Dominance
Providing invaluable support and maintaining the relentless pressure was all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, whose clever mix of pace and angle proved unplayable for the middle order. Ashraf was the most successful of the bowlers, achieving career-best T20I figures of 4 wickets for 23 runs. His critical dismissals included the key wickets of Dewald Brevis, who was offering the only significant resistance, and Captain Donovan Ferreira. The veteran paceman’s decisive spell ensured South Africa could never recover from their precarious early position. Naseem Shah chipped in with a vital 2 wickets for 28 runs, including the scalp of Quinton de Kock, while spinner Abrar Ahmed claimed the final wicket to complete a comprehensive performance.
South Africa’s Key Batting Figures:
| Player | Runs (Balls) | Wicket Taker |
| Dewald Brevis | 25 (16) | Faheem Ashraf |
| Donovan Ferreira | 15 (17) | Faheem Ashraf |
| Ottniel Baartman | 12 (10) | Faheem Ashraf |
| Reeza Hendricks | 0 (2) | Salman Mirza |
| Quinton de Kock | 7 (7) | Naseem Shah |
Blistering Chase: Saim Ayub’s Explosive Half-Century
Facing a modest target of 111 runs, Pakistan’s batting order approached the chase with a mixture of aggression and professionalism, making light work of the required run rate. The hosts surged to the total in a mere 13.1 overs, losing only a single wicket, thereby securing the victory with 41 balls to spare and demonstrating the depth of their talent pool.
The chase was overwhelmingly dominated by the young left-handed opener, Saim Ayub, who unleashed a breathtaking, unbeaten innings of 71 runs off just 38 deliveries. His knock was a stunning exhibition of flair, power, and audacity, decorated with six boundaries and five towering sixes, one of which he used to fittingly seal the victory. Ayub quickly registered his first T20I half-century on home soil, accelerating the scoring rate to such an extent that the match was never in doubt.
His opening partner, Sahibzada Farhan, provided a solid start with a brisk 28 runs off 23 balls, including three sixes, before being dismissed by Corbin Bosch. This opening stand of 54 runs laid the perfect foundation for a swift completion of the target.
Upon Farhan’s dismissal, star batsman and former captain Babar Azam entered the fray to a roaring reception from the Lahore crowd. Azam played the anchor role, remaining unbeaten with 11 runs from 18 balls. During his brief innings, he achieved a significant milestone, becoming the highest run-scorer in T20I cricket, surpassing the record previously held by India’s Rohit Sharma.
“They outplayed us in the last game and we did the same today. It’s beautifully set up now… We bowled really well up front. Saim [Ayub] is someone who can play for the next 10 years and become the player we all want him to be.” – Agha Salman Ali, Pakistan Captain, praising the team’s comeback and Saim Ayub’s potential.
Conclusion: A Series Perfectly Balanced
Pakistan’s decisive nine-wicket victory serves as a powerful statement of intent, erasing the memory of their heavy 55-run defeat in the first T20I and injecting fresh momentum into their camp. The comprehensive nature of the win—achieved by nearly seven overs to spare—underscores a remarkable turnaround, largely attributed to the stellar performances of the pace bowling unit, particularly the Player of the Match, Salman Mirza, and the explosive batting of Saim Ayub.
South Africa’s batting deficiencies in this fixture, where the team struggled against disciplined fast bowling and failed to set a competitive total, will be a major concern for Captain Donovan Ferreira ahead of the final game. Ferreira acknowledged the performance:
“We didn’t give our bowlers enough to defend. We don’t have much time to reflect on this so we need to put this behind and come strong tomorrow.”
The series now stands beautifully poised at 1-1, promising an enthralling finale. The third and final T20I, scheduled to be played tomorrow at the same venue, the Gaddafi Stadium, is set to be a captivating encounter between two evenly matched teams vying for series glory. Pakistan’s restored confidence and South Africa’s necessity for a dramatic batting improvement ensure that the decider will be a high-stakes, must-watch contest.
Would you like a detailed statistical comparison of the two matches played so far in the series?
