Pakistan beat South Africa in 3rd T20 to win series

Pakistan beat South Africa in the third T20 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, winning the three-match T20 series 2-1.

In the third match, Pakistan defeated South Africa by 4 wickets. Babar Azam scored 68 runs, Salman Ali Agha scored 33 and Sahibzada Farhan 19 runs. Usman Khan scored 6, Hassan Nawaz scored 4, Faheem Ashraf scored 4, Saim Ayub scored 4, and Muhammad Nawaz scored 19 runs.

For South Africa, Carbon Bush and Les Williams took two wickets each, while Donon Ferreira and Andile Smilne scored one wicket each. 

Earlier, South Africa scored 139 runs for the loss of nine wickets in the allotted 20 overs. For South Africa, Reza Hendricks scored 34, Donon Ferreira 29, and Dewald Brewis scored 21 runs. Carbon Bush scored 30 and Andile Semeliny scored 13 runs.

For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi took three wickets, Faheem Ashraf and Usman Tariq took two wickets each and Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Mirza took one wicket each.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first.

The home side made two changes to their playing XI for the series decider. Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed returned to the lineup, while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usman Tariq were also included. Notably, Usman Tariq is making his T20 International debut for Pakistan, receiving his debut cap from captain Shaheen Shah Afridi before the start of the match.

Speaking ahead of the match, all-rounder Salman Agha expressed confidence in the team’s momentum after their performance in the second T20. “Our confidence has increased after winning the second match. The team is in good rhythm and looking forward to finishing the series on a high,” he said.

On the other hand, South Africa have made three changes to their squad. Tony de Zorzi, Lungi Ngidi, and Nandre Burger have been dropped, while Dwaine Pretorius, Senuran Muthusamy Semline, and Williams have been brought into the playing XI.

The series is currently level at 1-1, making tonight’s clash a crucial encounter for both teams as they look to clinch the series title.

Cricket fans at the packed Gaddafi Stadium are expecting an exciting contest under the lights as Pakistan aim to build on their improved showing in the previous game and finish the series with a victory.