Pakistan drew level in the three-match T20 series with a commanding nine-wicket victory over South Africa in Lahore on 31 October. Their bowlers dismantled the visitors before Saim Ayub’s fluent half-century guided the chase with ease.
Having opted to bowl first at the Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan struck early and often. South Africa crumbled to 23 for 4 within the powerplay as Salman Mirza removed Quinton de Kock in the opening over, while Tony de Zorzi and Matthew Breetzke followed soon after.
Captain Donovan Ferreira and Dewald Brevis offered brief resistance, adding 26 runs for the fifth wicket. Brevis top-scored with 25 off 16 balls, striking three sixes, but found little support from the lower order as the Proteas were bundled out for 110 in 19.2 overs. Faheem Ashraf claimed four wickets, and Mirza finished with three in a superb collective display.
In reply, Pakistan’s openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan put on a brisk 54-run stand to set up the win. Farhan made 28 off 23 balls with three sixes before departing, but Saim continued in style, reaching his fifty and finishing unbeaten on 71 from 38 deliveries, including six fours and five sixes. Babar Azam remained 11 not out as Pakistan wrapped up the chase with 41 balls to spare.
With the win, Pakistan tied the series 1–1, setting up a decisive third T20I on 1 November, also in Lahore.
