SA VS PAK 2ND T20I

Right then, that’s all from this rather one-sided contest, as Pakistan level the series 1-1 and set up a mouth-watering decider. The action resumes in less than 24 hours, on 1st November, Saturday, at the same venue - the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The final T20I promises to be a cracker, and the first ball will be bowled at 3 pm GMT. As always, we’ll be with you early for all the build-up and pre-match chatter. Until then, take care and goodbye!

Salman Agha, the victorious skipper of Pakistan, says that South Africa outplayed them in the first game, and they did the same to them today, which sets it perfectly for the final game. Adds that they bowled well upfront and were ahead in the game. Mentions that the team that puts the first punch usually ends up on the winning side. Tells that everyone bowled well, and adds that Salman Mirza is working hard and learning new things. Further says that he is the backup for Shaheen Afridi and is becoming a first-choice player now. Reckons that they need to give time for Saim Ayub as he can play for the next 10 years. Hopes for him to continue and become a big player for Pakistan.

Donovan Ferreira, the captain of South Africa, says that they did not bat well, and it is hard to defend such a low score. Adds that you are not giving the bowlers enough runs, but now they will focus on the last game. Mentions that they were just not good enough with the bat, but it is a good thing they do not have much time to think about it as it is a short turnaround for the next game. Says that they can take a lot of learning from this game, the wicket got much better in the second innings when the dew settled in. Ends by saying that there is always pressure on you but you need to cherish it.

Salman Mirza is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his fine bowling effort. Says that the plan was simple to bowl within the stumps and according to the wicket, and as per the condition. Adds that the quicker they assess, the better they get the result. Mentions that making a comeback is always good, and shares that he prepares well whenever the chance comes for him. Closes by adding that the slower ball to Matthew Breetzke was his best wicket as it held in the wicket and took the off-stump.

Presentation Time...

Frankly, there isn't much to analyze about South Africa's bowling effort when they were left to defend such a paltry score. Corbin Bosch managed the only breakthrough, but the rest of the attack was essentially neutralized. While it's tough to fault them entirely given the circumstances, they clearly have to step up their game significantly in the next game.

Earlier in the game, after opting to bowl first, Pakistan’s bowlers were right on the money, with Salman Mirza setting the tone by striking thrice inside the Powerplay. Faheem Ashraf was the standout performer, claiming a four-wicket haul, while Naseem Shah picked up two and Abrar Ahmed chipped in with one - the only wicket for a spinner as they bundled out the Proteas for just 110. There were a few flashes of promise from Dewald Brevis, who top-scored with 25, but apart from him, it was a disappointing batting effort with as many as seven players failing to reach double figures.

While chasing, the Pakistani openers began cautiously, ensuring there were no early setbacks. Once they got their eyes in, they shifted gears and put on a solid 54-run stand that broke the back of the chase. The crowd was eager to see Babar Azam in action, and his very first shot - a delightful cover drive was worth every cheer. However, it was Saim Ayub who stole the spotlight at the other end, playing some breathtaking strokes and bringing up a much-needed half-century after a string of below-par performances. He remained unbeaten on a fantastic 71 off 38, and they wrapped things up with 9 wickets in hand.

A commanding win for Pakistan! A change of venue brought a change of fortune in front of a packed and passionate crowd here in Lahore. They have completely outplayed South Africa in all departments to level the series. The bowlers laid the perfect foundation, and the batters wrapped it up with around 7 overs to spare. South Africa, meanwhile, will want to quickly put this game behind them before heading into the series decider.

SIX! SAIM AYUB GETS THE JOB DONE! Tad short, around off. Saim Ayub hangs back and pulls it hard and over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Pakistan win by 9 wickets with nearly seven overs to spare.

Tossed up arm ball, on middle. Babar Azam pushes it back to Linde.

Flatter arm ball, around off. Saim Ayub slaps it to long off for one.

SIX! BOOM! Fullish delivery, around off. Saim Ayub moves across and smokes the slog sweep over deep mid-wicket for a massive 92m hit.

Flatter and slower through the air, around off. Saim Ayub tries the reverse sweep now but fails to connect.

Tosses it on a length, around off. Saim Ayub shimmies down to clear the ropes but gets the outside edge that rolls toward short third.

Fuller and quicker, on the leg pole. Babar Azam uses his feet and drills this to long on for one.