Eman 
From Pindi to Lahore: South Africa Collapse Hands Pakistan Nine-Wicket Win to Level Series
ZeeaK 
Series Squandered: South Africa’s Batting Nightmare in Lahore Allows Pakistan to Level T20I Series
South Africa endured a night to forget in the second T20I in Lahore, dramatically collapsing to a nine-wicket defeat that allowed Pakistan to equalize the three-match series. The visitors, who made history with a dominant win just two days prior, seemed to lose all momentum on the 311-kilometer trip from Rawalpindi to the Gaddafi Stadium.
Innings 1: The Proteas’ Powerplay Disaster
Pakistan, having elected to bowl, executed their plan perfectly, exploiting the movement under the lights. The South African top order was dismantled in a devastating spell by the home side’s bowlers:
- Opener Reeza Hendricks, the hero of the first match, was clean-bowled by a brilliant inswinger from the impressive Salman Mirza on the second ball of the innings.
- Between the debutant Mirza (3/14) and fast bowler Naseem Shah, South Africa lost four quick wickets for just 23 runs in under five overs.
Only Dewald Brevis showed any intent, contributing a fast 25 off 16 balls, but even his cameo was short-lived. The final score of 110 all out was a tame total, leaving assistant coach Albie Morkel lamenting the performance: “If you lose three to four wickets in the Powerplay, you don’t often recover.” The disappointing total defied the historical trend of the venue, where teams batting first generally succeed.
Innings 2: Saim Ayub Delivers a Masterclass
Facing a minimal target, Pakistan’s chase was quick, brutal, and decisive, concluding in just 13.1 overs.
Opener Saim Ayub was the undisputed star, launching a fierce attack that tore through the South African bowlers. He finished unbeaten with a scintillating 71 runs off just 38 deliveries, accumulating over 75% of his runs in boundaries. Ayub’s brilliance overshadowed a crucial milestone by captain Babar Azam, who bounced back from his first-match duck with an unbeaten 11 runs to forge a match-winning partnership with Ayub.
The comprehensive nine-wicket victory, achieved with 41 balls remaining, was a statement win for Pakistan, setting up a thrilling series decider.
The Decider & The Distraction
Donovan Ferreira’s side now faces a critical third match at the very same Lahore venue, giving them an immediate chance to redeem their “abjectly poor performance.” However, attention will soon turn to the grand stage: the World Cup final on Sunday, where Laura Wolvaardt leads the South African women’s team in their quest for a maiden title against India.
For analysis of the upcoming series decider and full coverage of the World Cup final, visit the ultimate cricket destination: www.crickethighlights.online
SOURCES : PCB , India today
Image credits : Cricbuzz
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