2nd T20: Pakistan beat South Africa by 9 wickets to level series 1-1

Lahore (Web Desk): Pakistan defeated South Africa by 9 wickets in the second T20I to level the three-match series 1-1.

Chasing a target of 111 runs, Pakistan completed the chase comfortably in just 14 overs, losing only one wicket in the process.

Pakistan's captain, Salman Ali Agha, won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that proved to be highly effective as his team’s bowlers skittled South Africa out for just 110 runs.

There was one change in Pakistan’s playing XI, with Salman Mirza coming in for Shaheen Afridi.

South Africa's batting line-up struggled from the start against Pakistan’s relentless bowling attack. No batter managed to settle in, and wickets fell at regular intervals. As a result, the Proteas were all out for 110 runs in 19.2 overs.

Only two South African batters made notable contributions: Dewald Brevis, who top-scored with 25 runs, and Donovan Ferreira, who added 15. Corbin Bosch and Bartman also contributed 11 and 12 runs, respectively.

Faheem Ashraf was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 4 wickets for 23 runs. Salman Mirza also made a strong impact, taking 3 wickets for 14 runs in his 4 overs. Naseem Shah picked up 2 wickets, and Abrar Ahmed chipped in with 1 wicket.

Pakistan comfortably chased down the target of 111 runs in 14 overs. Sahibzada Farhan contributed a steady 28 runs before being dismissed, while Saim Ayub played a brilliant knock of 71 runs from 38 balls. Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 11 runs as Pakistan wrapped up the chase with ease.

This dominant victory brought the series to a 1-1 draw, with the decider set to take place tomorrow at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Teams

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha(c), Usman Khan(w), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed.

South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock(w), Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira(c), George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman and Lungi Ngidi.