Pakistan bounced back in emphatic fashion as Faheem Ashraf’s four-wicket haul and a clinical top-order display powered them to a commanding nine-wicket win over South Africa in the second T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.
After being outplayed in the series opener, Pakistan struck back to level the contest 1-1. Faheem led the way with a brilliant 4 for 23, while Salman Mirza (3-14) and Naseem Shah (2-28) ripped through South Africa’s line-up, bowling them out for 110 in 19.2 overs.
It was a good toss to win, and our bowlers made full use of it. They outplayed us in the previous game, and we did that today. The way Salman [Mirza] and Naseem bowled up front set the tone. Saim is someone who can play for the next ten years — he’s that talented.
Mirza’s Breakthrough Spell Rocks South Africa Early
Playing in place of Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza gave Pakistan a sensational start by bowling Reeza Hendricks for a duck and then removing Tony de Zorzi for 7. Naseem Shah joined the party by dismissing Quinton de Kock (7), and when Mirza bowled Matthew Breetzke with a superb cutter, South Africa slumped to 23 for 4.
Our plans were very simple — to bowl within the stumps and use the conditions. The ball was holding up, and the slower one to get Breetzke was my favourite wicket. It feels good to contribute in a must-win game.
Only Dewald Brevis (25 off 16) offered resistance, striking three sixes before falling to Faheem Ashraf. None of the other batters crossed 15 as South Africa folded for 110.
Saim Seals It in Style
Chasing 111, Saim Ayub was in sublime touch, smashing an unbeaten 71 off 38 balls with eight fours and four sixes. He and Sahibzada Farhan (28) added 54 for the first wicket, setting the tone for a swift finish. Pakistan raced home in 13.1 overs, losing only one wicket. Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 11 and, in the process, surpassed Rohit Sharma to become the highest run-scorer in T20Is (4234 runs).
Chasing 111, Saim Ayub was in sublime touch, smashing an unbeaten 71 off 38 balls with eight fours and four sixes. He and Sahibzada Farhan (28) added 54 for the first wicket, setting the tone for a swift finish. Pakistan raced home in 13.1 overs, losing only one wicket. Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 11 and, in the process, surpassed Rohit Sharma to become the highest run-scorer in T20Is (4234 runs).
Ferreira Admits South Africa Fell Short
South Africa captain Donovan Ferreira was candid in defeat.
Obviously, we didn’t bat well and didn’t give much for our bowlers to defend. The wicket got better with the dew, but we just have to move on quickly and refocus for the decider.
Brief Scores: South Africa 110 all out in 19.2 overs (Dewald Brevis 25; Faheem Ashraf 4-23, Salman Mirza 3-14, Naseem Shah 2-28) Pakistan 112/1 in 13.1 overs (Saim Ayub 71*, Sahibzada Farhan 28; Corbin Bosch 1-17) Pakistan won by 9 wickets.
