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Saim Ayub shines, Faheem Ashraf fires as Pakistan crush South Africa to level T20I series 1-1

Jatin

Pakistan defeated South Africa in 2nd T20I [Source: @ProSportsStudio/x.com]Pakistan defeated South Africa in 2nd T20I [Source: @ProSportsStudio/x.com]

Lahore witnessed a cricketing masterclass as Pakistan produced a complete performance to thrash South Africa by nine wickets in the second T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday. From sensational spells with the new ball to a batting blitz led by Saim Ayub, it was Pakistan’s night all the way as they levelled the series 1-1 with one game to go.

South Africa’s collapse under lights

After being put in to bat first, South Africa never really found their footing. It all began with Salman Mirza’s dream spell. Bowling with zip and control, he sent Reeza Hendricks packing for a duck and dismissed Tony de Zorzi soon after.

Quinton de Kock tried to counterattack but edged one to the keeper off Naseem Shah, who bowled with serious heat. The Proteas slipped to 23 for 4 inside five overs and it was damage control from there.

A short counterpunch came from Dewald Brevis, who smashed 25 off 16 with three sixes, but once he fell to Faheem Ashraf, the innings lost steam. Faheem bowled a clever spell, mixing pace and angle to finish with a brilliant 4/23. The lower order offered little resistance as wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals.

South Africa were bundled out for 110 in 19.2 overs, a total that was never going to trouble Pakistan on this surface.

Pakistan’s openers make light work of the chase

Chasing 111, Saim Ayub came out with intent and made it look like batting practice. The southpaw unleashed stylish drives, bold lofts and crisp pulls. He brought up his fifty off just 29 balls, lighting up Lahore with every hit.

At the other end, Sahibzada Farhan provided the perfect support with a 23-ball 28, striking three sixes before falling to Corbin Bosch. By then, Pakistan were already cruising at 54 for 1 in the seventh over.

Saim carried on unfazed, punishing every loose delivery. His unbeaten 71 off 38 balls, filled with six fours and five sixes, sealed the game in style. Babar Azam remained not out on 11, playing the steady hand as Pakistan raced home in 13.1 overs with 41 balls to spare.

This win was as clinical as it gets. Pakistan’s bowlers did the hard work upfront and the batters ensured there were no hiccups. With the series now tied at 1-1, the decider at the same venue tomorrow promises to be a cracker.