Pakistan Clinch T20I Series Against South Africa
Pakistan secured a thrilling 2-1 series victory over South Africa after a dominant 7-wicket win in the decisive third T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Young stars Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Ayub delivered standout performances to guide the Men in Green to a convincing triumph.
Abrar Ahmed’s Match-Winning Spell
Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed stole the show with a career-best 4/16, dismantling South Africa’s middle order. His victims included key batters Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, leaving the Proteas struggling at 144/8.
- Powerplay Masterstroke: Captain Babar Azam introduced Abrar early, exploiting the slow pitch with sharp turn and deceptive googlies.
- Player of the Match: The 25-year-old’s brilliance earned him the award, cementing his place as Pakistan’s rising spin star.
Mohammad Ayub Anchors Chase
In his second T20I, Mohammad Ayub (47 off 36) showcased maturity, forming a crucial 68-run partnership with Babar Azam (34). Despite a minor wobble, Mohammad Rizwan (23*) and Iftikhar Ahmed (12*) sealed the win with 10 balls to spare.
- Bench Strength: Ayub’s performance highlighted Pakistan’s depth ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024.
South Africa’s Batting Struggles
Opting to bat first, South Africa faltered against Pakistan’s spin-heavy attack:
– Top Scorer: Aiden Markram (38)
– Bowling Highlights: Shaheen Afridi (2/22), Shadab Khan (1/24)
– Collapse: From 58/1 to 144/8, with Abrar and Shadab stifling the middle overs.
Series Takeaways
- Pakistan’s Positives: Emergence of Abrar & Ayub, spin dominance.
- South Africa’s Concerns: Inconsistent batting, lack of firepower without key players.
Next Steps for Both Teams
With the T20 World Cup approaching, Pakistan’s spin attack looks formidable, while South Africa must refine their batting strategies.
Awards:
– Player of the Series: Babar Azam (122 runs)
– Player of the Match: Abrar Ahmed (4/16)
