Babar Azam marked his return to T20 cricket with a composed half-century, steering Pakistan to a four-wicket victory over South Africa and securing the three-match series 2-1 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Chasing 140, Pakistan reached the target with an over to spare, thanks to Babar’s 68 off 46 balls. Earlier, South Africa managed 139-9 after being sent in to bat for the third straight time in the series.
The Proteas had won the opener by 55 runs in Rawalpindi, but Pakistan bounced back strongly with two convincing wins in Lahore to take the series.
Returning to the side after nearly a year, Babar had been dismissed for a duck in the first match but surpassed Rohit Sharma’s T20 run record in the second. On Saturday, he played a captain’s knock—steady at first against George Linde’s spin before accelerating once the dew made conditions tougher for bowlers.
Partnering with skipper Salman Ali Agha (33), Babar built a crucial 76-run stand that anchored Pakistan’s chase. He brought up his fifty with three consecutive fours off Ottneil Baartman, delighting the home crowd of more than 32,000.
Pakistan faced a brief wobble when they lost four wickets for 14 runs, including Babar and Agha, but the outcome was never in doubt. Lizaad Williams (2-26) and Andile Simelane (1-23) took late wickets, though Babar’s innings had already sealed the result.
India awaits Asia Cup trophy, BCCI threatens ICC escalation
“This innings was long due,” Babar said after the match. “I backed myself, the team believed in me. It’s about absorbing pressure and playing according to the situation.”
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi (3-26), rattled South Africa early. Afridi, back after being rested, removed Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius in the first over. Debutant Usman Tariq (2-26) impressed, while Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf also struck key blows as the Proteas stumbled to 76-6 by the 12th over.
Reeza Hendricks (34) and Dewald Brevis (21) were the only notable scorers before Bosch’s unbeaten 30 helped South Africa reach a modest total.
Pakistan and South Africa will now face off in a three-match ODI series starting Tuesday in Faisalabad.
Source: AP