- Scorecard is available here
Lahore, 1 November 2025: Babar Azam struck a fluent half-century to lead Pakistan to a four-wicket win over South Africa in the third and final T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday evening, sealing the series 2-1.
Chasing 140, Pakistan reached the target with six balls remaining, anchored by Babar’s composed 68 off 47 balls – his first T20I half-century in 13 innings since May 2024. The right-handed batter’s return to form came at a crucial time for Pakistan, who recovered strongly after losing the opening match in Rawalpindi by 55 runs.
Babar steadied the innings after an early setback that saw opener Saim Ayub fall for a no score with the score at 8-1. He added 76 runs for the third wicket with captain Salman Ali Agha (33, 26b, 2x4s), guiding Pakistan past the halfway mark in control. Despite a few late wickets, Usman Khan (six not out) and Faheem Ashraf (four not out) saw the hosts home comfortably.
Earlier, South Africa posted 139 for nine after being sent in to bat. Shaheen Shah Afridi led Pakistan’s attack with 3 for 26, while debutant Usman Tariq impressed with figures of 2 for 26. Faheem Ashraf also chipped in with two wickets.
For the tourists, Donovan Ferreira top-scored with a quick 29 off 14 balls, while Corbin Bosch added an unbeaten 30.
The result capped off a successful home series for Pakistan, who thrilled back-to-back sellout crowds at the Gaddafi Stadium. Both sides will now feature in a three-match ODI series, commencing from 4 November. All three ODIs will be played at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan beat South Africa by four wickets
South Africa 139-9, 20 overs (Reeza Hendricks 34, Corbin Bosch 30 not out, Donovan Ferreira 29; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-26, Usman Tariq 2-26, Faheem Ashraf 2-28)
Pakistan 140-6, 19 overs (Babar Azam 68, Salman Ali Agha 33; Corbin Bosch 2-24, Lizaad Williams 2-26)
Player of the match – Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Player of the series – Faheem Ashraf (Pakistan)
