Saim Ayub Smashes 71 as Pakistan Dominates South Africa to Level T20I Series

Pakistan delivered a powerful response in the second T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, crushing South Africa to level the three-match series. The victory was set up by a stunning bowling performance from a revamped Pakistani attack, led by Faheem Ashraf, and finished emphatically by a dazzling display of batting by opener Saim Ayub.

Innings 1: Faheem Ashraf Unleashes Career-Best Figures

After Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first, the local pace attack, playing without the presence of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, rose to the occasion. The bowlers were relentless, restricting the touring South Africa side to a target of only 111 runs.

The destruction was led by all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, who ripped through the Proteas middle order, claiming an outstanding four wickets. Skipper Salman Ali Agha also chipped in with three crucial wickets, and Naseem Shah added two, ensuring South Africa never found their footing. Only four batters reached double figures, with Dewald Brevis top-scoring with 25 runs.

Innings 2: Saim Ayub’s Statement Knock

Chasing a modest target of 112, Pakistan’s openers came out with aggressive intent. After a string of previous failures, Saim Ayub silenced his critics with a magnificent, high-octane innings that effectively ended the match before the half-way mark.

Ayub smashed six fours and five towering sixes on his way to an electric 71 runs off just 38 balls. He and Sahibzada Farhan (28, including three sixes) absolutely hammered the South African bowlers, turning a tricky chase into a run-rate exhibition. Skipper Babar Azam contributed 11 runs as Pakistan reached the target with ease, securing a massive victory to bring the series level at 1-1.

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