Babar Azam delivered a masterful 68 runs from 47 balls to guide Pakistan to a series-clinching victory over South Africa in the third T20I on Saturday. The win in Lahore secured a 2-1 series triumph for the hosts in front of a capacity crowd at the Gaddafi Stadium.
The former captain’s innings marked his 37th T20I half-century and his first since May 2024, showcasing a return to form at a crucial moment. His performance anchored Pakistan’s successful chase of a 140-run target.
Pakistan’s bowlers laid the groundwork for the win by restricting South Africa to a modest total. Shaheen Shah Afridi made a significant impact early, taking two wickets in the very first over to immediately pressure the visitors.
🚨 @babarazam258 notches his 4️⃣0️⃣th fifty-plus score in T20Is – most for any batter in the format 🌟#PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/KGAkUuQoU1
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 1, 2025Afridi finished with impressive figures of 3-26, while debutant Usman Tariq also contributed with two wickets. Despite several South African batters making starts, with Reeza Hendricks top-scoring at 34, regular wickets prevented them from building a commanding total.
Babar Azam expressed his gratitude to the Lahore crowd and discussed his innings. “The way Lahore crowd supported, this innings was due. I backed myself, the team believed in me,” he stated. “I wanted to do what the team needed, play according to the situation… I worked on my strengths, improved my weaknesses.”
🏆 Pakistan take the series! Usman Khan hits the winning run and Gaddafi Stadium erupts with joy 🙌🏼#PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/IYyhbEQfuD
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 1, 2025South African captain Donovan Ferreira acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, saying, “We didn’t perform with the bat once again. The bowlers did well to fight until the end, but there were not enough runs on the board.”
Read: Pakistan Levels T20I Series vs South Africa with Nine-Wicket Victory
All-rounder Faheem Ashraf, who was named Player of the Series, emphasised his adaptable role within the team. “I have a role in the team. I try to play accordingly, whether with the ball, bat, or on the field… I am ready to adapt to the team’s need with ball and bat,” he explained.
