LAHORE: Pakistan defeated South Africa by 4 wickets in the third and final T20I, clinching the three-match series 2-1.
Batting first, South Africa scored 139 runs for 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Key contributions came from Hendrik (34), Dinooven (29), Brees (21), and Corbin Bosch (30 off 23 balls, including 2 fours).
Pakistan’s pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi starred with the ball, taking 3 wickets, while Fahim Ashraf and Usman Tariq picked up 2 wickets each.
Chasing 140, Pakistan reached the target in 19 overs for the loss of 6 wickets. Captain Babar Azam led the charge with 68 runs off 47 balls, including 9 boundaries. Salman Agha scored 33 runs off 26 balls, and Sahibzada Farhan contributed 19 runs off 18 balls.
For this match, Pakistan made two changes to their squad, bringing in Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed, while Shaheen Afridi and Usman Tariq returned. Usman Tariq made his T20I debut. Pakistan won the toss for the third consecutive match and opted to field first.
South Africa also made three changes, dropping Tony de Zorzi, Ngidi, and Nandre Burger, and including Pretorius, Semlin, and Williams in their playing XI.
With this win, Pakistan not only secured the series but also gained momentum and confidence ahead of upcoming fixtures.
