Ashraf and Salman Mirza Shine as Pakistan Crush South Africa

Ashraf and Salman Mirza Shine with Career-Best Performances

Pakistan stormed to a dominant nine-wicket victory over South Africa in Lahore on Friday, thanks to remarkable bowling spells from Faheem Ashraf and Salman Mirza. The duo dismantled South Africa’s batting lineup, limiting them to a modest 110 runs. Ashraf delivered his best T20 international performance with figures of 4 for 23, while Mirza impressed with 3 for 14, ensuring South Africa’s innings crumbled under pressure.

Saim Ayub’s Explosive Knock Seals the Chase

In reply, opener Saim Ayub produced a scintillating unbeaten 71, guiding Pakistan to victory with ease. His 38-ball masterpiece included six fours and five towering sixes, the final one off Donovan Ferreira sealing the win in emphatic style. Babar Azam supported him with an unbeaten 11 as Pakistan chased down the target comfortably, leveling the three-match series at 1-1 after South Africa’s earlier win in Rawalpindi.

Early Aggression Sets the Tone

Pakistan wasted no time in asserting dominance, racing to 54 runs by the seventh over. Sahibzada Farhan contributed a brisk 28 featuring three sixes before falling leg-before to Corbin Bosch. The commanding start ensured Pakistan maintained full control of the chase.

Babar Azam Creates T20I History

During the match, Babar Azam achieved a monumental personal milestone by becoming the highest run-scorer in T20 internationals. With his current tally of 4,234 runs in 130 matches, he surpassed India’s Rohit Sharma, who previously held the record with 4,231 runs from 159 games.

Captains React to the Contest

Pakistan captain Salman Agha expressed delight over the team’s spirited performance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum for the series decider. “I’m happy with this win,” Agha said. “We bowled brilliantly up front, and I hope we carry this energy into the final game.” South African skipper Donovan Ferreira acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, stating, “We didn’t put enough runs on the board. Our batting collapsed early, and we must bounce back strongly tomorrow.”

South Africa’s Batting Collapse

Opting to bat first, South Africa suffered an early blow when Reeza Hendricks was bowled for a duck by Salman Mirza in just the second ball of the innings. Naseem Shah soon removed Quinton de Kock for seven, while Salman Mirza continued his fiery spell, dismissing Tony de Zorzi and Matthew Breetzke in consecutive overs. From 23-4, Dewald Brevis and Ferreira attempted a brief recovery, adding 26 runs—the highest partnership of the innings—before Ashraf returned to claim four quick wickets, crushing any hopes of a revival.

Brief Resistance but No Redemption

Brevis top-scored for South Africa with a quickfire 25 off 16 balls, striking three sixes, while Ferreira managed 15 runs. However, their efforts were short-lived as Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack wrapped up the innings efficiently.

A Decisive Showdown Awaits

With the series now tied at 1-1, the final T20 match in Lahore promises to be a thrilling decider as both teams look to claim supremacy in the series.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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