Babar, Salman reflect on Lahore win and partnership that sealed T20I series

Lahore, 2 November 2025:

The Gaddafi Stadium was packed to capacity on Saturday night as Pakistan defeated South Africa by four wickets to clinch the three-match T20I series 2-1. The crowd roared for every Babar Azam stroke and the right-handed batter responded with a composed half-century that anchored Pakistan’s chase.

After the game, Babar sat down with skipper Salman Ali Agha for a light-hearted chat on PCB Digital, reflecting on the innings, the pressure and their match-winning partnership of 76 runs for the third wicket.

Salman: “Assalamualaikum everyone, I’m Salman Ali Agha, and with me is none other than Babar Azam. You scored 17 runs today, right?”

Babar (smiling): “No, you did! I think you’re confusing it.”

Salman: “All right, fair enough. Tell us about your innings. We were 5 for 1, how did you plan it?”

Babar: “The plan was to bat deep, around 40 to 45 balls. Once you settle in, the field opens up and you can find gaps. Early on, the ball was moving and the spinners were getting grip, so we decided to see off that phase. When the ball came in our range, we backed ourselves to play our shots.”

Their calm approach through the middle overs helped Pakistan rebuild after early losses. Salman, who supported Babar with a steady knock, said the entire dressing room felt confident once Babar found rhythm.

Salman: “The team and honestly the whole country is happy when you score. It gives everyone belief that we can win from anywhere.”

(Laughing) “But why did you make me run so much between the wickets?”

Babar: “You took that challenge yourself! But Alhamdulillah, it was worth it. I’d been waiting for an innings like this. I wasn’t living up to expectations recently, but I kept working hard in training, backing myself, staying positive. Sometimes things don’t go your way even when you’re doing everything right, but today Allah blessed us.”

Salman praised Babar’s consistency and work ethic, calling it an example for younger players.

Salman: “Even when things aren’t going well, your discipline never drops. You’re always at practice, doing your drills, fielding, keeping standards high. That’s what makes big players. And big games need big players like Babar Azam tonight.”

As their chat wrapped up, both players shared smiles. The Gaddafi crowd was still echoing with chants of “Babar! Babar!” – a fitting sound to close Pakistan’s series win.

Salman: “Babar, well played, congratulations to you and to everyone watching.”