Win Projections to be updated soon
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)
