Pakistan won a thrilling series decider against South Africa by 4 wickets at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on November 1, 2025. Chasing a target of 140 runs, Pakistan reached 140/6 in 19 overs, winning with 6 balls to spare. The victory gave Pakistan a 2-1 series win in the three-match T20I series.
Babar Azam played a brilliant knock of 68 runs off 47 balls with 9 fours, guiding Pakistan through a tense chase. Pakistan captain Salman Agha won the toss and chose to bowl first, and his bowlers delivered by restricting South Africa to just 139/9.
Sources: ESPNcricinfo (https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/south-africa-in-pakistan-2025-26-1501888/pakistan-vs-south-africa-3rd-t20i-1501897/full-scorecard), Daily Pakistan
Match Scorecard
| Team | Score | Overs | Wickets | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 139/9 | 20 | 9 | Lost by 4 wickets |
| Pakistan | 140/6 | 19 | 6 | Won with 6 balls remaining |
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | Batsman | 68 runs (47 balls, 9 fours, SR: 144.68) |
| Shaheen Afridi | Pakistan | Bowler | 3/26 (4 overs) |
| Salman Agha | Pakistan | Batsman | 33 runs (26 balls) |
| Corbin Bosch | South Africa | Bowler | 2/24 (4 overs) |
| Reeza Hendricks | South Africa | Batsman | 34 runs (36 balls) |
| Donovan Ferreira | South Africa | Batsman | 29 runs (14 balls, 3 sixes) |
Source: ESPNcricinfo full scorecard
Key Moments
- South Africa lost both openers for ducks in the first over, with Quinton de Kock bowled by Shaheen Afridi for 0 off 2 balls and Lhuan-dre Pretorius caught for 0 off 1 ball
- Debutant spinner Usman Tariq took 2 wickets, including Dewald Brevis and Reeza Hendricks, in his first T20I match
- Donovan Ferreira provided a quick burst with 29 runs off 14 balls including 3 sixes before falling to Faheem Ashraf
- Faheem Ashraf took 2 wickets in 2 balls, removing both Ferreira and George Linde
- Pakistan lost opener Saim Ayub for a duck in the second over
- Babar Azam reached his fifty with a classic cover drive that commentator Ramiz Raja called “heavenly batting”
- Pakistan needed just 7 runs from 13 balls when Babar was dismissed for 68, caught by Hendricks off Corbin Bosch
- Pakistan lost 4 wickets for 14 runs in the final overs but Usman Khan (6 not out) and Faheem Ashraf (4 not out) finished the job
Match Analysis
This match was a proper test of nerves for both teams. South Africa started terribly, losing both openers without a run on the board. Their innings never really recovered from that early shock. Despite some fighting efforts from Reeza Hendricks and a quick-fire knock from captain Donovan Ferreira, they could only manage 139 runs.
Pakistan’s bowlers did an excellent job. Shaheen Afridi was outstanding with 3 wickets, while the debutant Usman Tariq showed great promise by picking up 2 important wickets. Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
In the chase, Babar Azam played a mature innings under pressure. His 68 runs gave Pakistan a solid platform. Salman Agha provided good support with 33 runs, and their partnership of 76 runs was the backbone of the chase. When Pakistan lost quick wickets near the end, it created some tension, but they had done enough hard work earlier to get over the line.
What’s Next
The two teams will now face each other in an ODI series. Pakistan will be full of confidence after winning this T20I series 2-1. They showed great character to bounce back after losing the first match and then winning the last two games at home.
For South Africa, there are lessons to learn, especially about batting under pressure. Their top order struggled throughout the series, and they will need to fix these problems before the ODI matches begin.