Babar Azam fifty steers Pakistan to T20I series win over South Africa

Lahore, 2 November 2025:

Babar Azam returned to form with a half-century as Pakistan defeated South Africa by four wickets in the third and final T20 International at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday to clinch the series 2-1.

Chasing 140, Pakistan reached the target in 19 overs, led by Babar’s 68 off 47 balls, his first T20I fifty in 13 innings since May 2024. The captain held the innings together after the early dismissal of opener Saim Ayub for nought with the score on 8 for 1. Babar added 76 runs for the third wicket with Salman Ali Agha, who scored 33 from 26 balls, to keep Pakistan in control.

Despite a late flurry of wickets, Usman Khan (6 not out) and Faheem Ashraf (4 not out) completed the chase with six balls remaining.

Earlier, South Africa posted 139 for 9 after being sent in to bat. Shaheen Shah Afridi led Pakistan’s attack with 3 for 26, while debutant Usman Tariq impressed with 2 for 26. Faheem Ashraf also claimed two wickets for 28. Donovan Ferreira top-scored for South Africa with 29 from 14 balls, while Corbin Bosch finished unbeaten on 30.

The result capped a strong finish for Pakistan, who bounced back after losing the opening match in Rawalpindi.

The teams will now meet in a three-match ODI series starting Nov. 4 at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.

Scores in brief:

South Africa 139-9, 20 overs (Reeza Hendricks 34, Bosch 30*, Ferreira 29; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-26, Usman Tariq 2-26, Faheem Ashraf 2-28)

Pakistan 140-6, 19 overs (Babar Azam 68, Salman Ali Agha 33; Corbin Bosch 2-24, Williams 2-26)

Player of the Match: Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Player of the Series: Faheem Ashraf (Pakistan)