LAHORE – Pakistan kicked off their 2026 T20 World Cup preparations in spectacular fashion, clinching the three-match T20 series against South Africa 2-1 with a nail-biting four-wicket victory at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Agha led Men in Green staged a remarkable comeback after a heavy defeat in the series opener, with captain Babar Azam once again shining as the hero. Chasing a modest target of 140, Pakistan’s innings got off to a shaky start as opener Saim Ayub was dismissed for a duck in the second over.
Babar Azam advanced the chase with an unbeaten 68 off 47 balls, smashing nine boundaries to steady the innings. His crucial partnerships first with Sahibzada Farhan (19 off 18) and then with skipper Salman Ali Agha (33 off 26) kept Pakistan firmly in control despite South Africa’s late fightback.
South Africa’s Lizaad Williams and Corbin Bosch struck quickly to dismiss Agha and Babar in succession, but Pakistan’s lower order held their nerve. Faheem Ashraf (6*) and Usman (4*) finished the chase with nerves of steel, taking the hosts to victory with six balls to spare.
The win was built on a sensational bowling performance as well. Shaheen Shah Afridi tore through the Proteas’ top order, dismissing Quinton de Kock and Lhuandré Pretorius for ducks and finishing with 3/26. Faheem Ashraf and debutant Usman Tariq took two wickets each, while Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Mirza chipped in with one apiece.
South Africa had their moments, with Dewald Brevis hitting 21 off 22 balls and Donovan Ferreira launching a 29-run cameo, but the collective brilliance of Pakistan’s bowlers ensured the visitors never gained a foothold.
With this dramatic victory, Pakistan not only secured the series but also sent a strong statement ahead of the T20 World Cup. Babar Azam’s masterclass, combined with clinical bowling and resilient finishing, ensured Pakistan’s fans went home celebrating a memorable series triumph.
