Pakistan Levels Series: Saim Ayub’s 71* and Faheem Ashraf’s 4-Wicket Haul Demolish South Africa

Pakistan answered their first-match defeat with a dominant performance, securing a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. This clinical win, powered by an exceptional collective bowling effort and a batting blitz from Saim Ayub, brings the three-match T20I series level.

Innings 1: The Bowling Trio Crushes Proteas

After winning the toss and electing to field, Pakistan’s revamped bowling attack was lethal. They restricted the South African lineup to a meager 110 all out in 19.2 overs.

The early damage was inflicted by the impressive debutant Salman Mirza, who claimed three key wickets in the Powerplay. He first removed Reeza Hendricks and then Tony de Zorzi with clever variations, laying the foundation for the collapse. Naseem Shah also contributed by dismissing Quinton de Kock.

The middle and death overs belonged to Faheem Ashraf, who delivered a match-winning spell, finishing with outstanding figures of 4 wickets for 23 runs. Ashraf expertly used slower balls to dismiss the dangerous Dewald Brevis (25) and cleaned up Donovan Ferreira and George Linde. Despite minor late resistance from Corbin Bosch and Ottneil Baartman, the visitors were dismissed in the final over.

Innings 2: Ayub and Babar Break Records

Chasing only 111, the Pakistani openers approached the target with urgency and flair. Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan (28) powered the team to a quick 49/0 finish in the Powerplay.

Ayub then shifted gears ruthlessly. After Sahibzada fell to Corbin Bosch, Babar Azam joined the opener to craft a match-winning partnership. In the process, Babar etched his name into history by surpassing Rohit Sharma to become the leading run-scorer in T20 Internationals.

Ayub was unstoppable in the middle overs, smashing two fours and two sixes in a single over off Ottneil Baartman. He reached his maiden T20I fifty on home soil off just 29 deliveries and finished the game emphatically with a 92-meter six off Donovan Ferreira. Ayub ended unbeaten on a blistering 71 runs off 38 balls, with 54 of those runs coming exclusively from boundaries. Pakistan wrapped up the chase in just 13.1 overs.

Brief Scores & Series Status

Brief Scores & Series Status

For all the thrilling highlights, match analysis, and the preview for the series decider, visit the ultimate cricket destination: www.crickethighlights.online

Image credits : cricbuzz

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