On November 1, 2025, at precisely 7:00 PM local time, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore erupted as Pakistan national cricket team chased down 140 with six wickets in hand and six balls to spare, defeating South Africa national cricket team by four wickets in the third and final T20I of the 2025/26 tour. The win sealed a 2-1 series triumph for Pakistan — a result that felt more like a statement than a surprise. Captain Babar Azam, calm as ever, smashed an unbeaten 68 off 54 balls, while Shaheen Shah Afridi dismantled the South African top order with 3 for 24 in four overs. The crowd didn’t just cheer — they roared. This wasn’t just another win. It was redemption after a shaky start to the series.
Strategic Boldness Pays Off
When Babar Azam chose to field first after winning the toss, some fans winced. South Africa, despite being without their regular captain, had shown grit in the first two T20Is. But Pakistan’s decision paid off. Their spinners, led by debutant Usman Tariq, kept the run rate in check early. South Africa, at 139 for 7 in 20 overs, never looked like a side capable of posting 180+. Their new captain, Corbin Bosch, fought valiantly with 30 not out and two wickets, but the lack of depth hurt them. Three changes — Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, and Lizaad Williams — didn’t spark the turnaround they hoped for. Williams took 2 for 26, but it wasn’t enough.
The Chase: A Masterclass in Composure
Pakistan’s chase wasn’t pretty, but it was smart. Sahibzada Farhan’s 19 off 18 balls gave them momentum, then came the quiet brilliance of Babar. After Saim Ayub fell for a golden duck, the pressure mounted. At 123 for 3 after 16 overs, the required rate hovered around 4.25. Fans held their breath. But Babar didn’t panic. He rotated strike, punished loose balls, and kept the scoreboard ticking. The 36-run stand with Farhan laid the foundation; the 20-run partnership with Agha Salman (8 not out off 6) sealed it. With 7 needed off 12, the stadium was silent. Then, a single. Then, a boundary. Then, the final ball — a push to mid-off. Pandemonium.
South Africa’s Struggles Beyond the Scoreboard
For South Africa, this loss exposed deeper issues. Their middle order, once a strength, collapsed under pressure. Bosch, stepping in as T20I captain for the first time, showed leadership but lacked firepower around him. The absence of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje — both rested — was felt. Their bowling attack, led by Bosch and Williams, was disciplined but lacked the x-factor. And while they managed to win the second T20I in Lahore, they couldn’t replicate that momentum. The tour has been a learning curve, not a breakthrough.
The Bigger Picture: A Tour of Firsts
This T20I series was just one chapter in a larger story. The South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025/26 spanned eight matches across four venues: Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore), Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and Iqbal Stadium (Faisalabad). It began with two Tests in October, then three T20Is, and concluded with three ODIs. Pakistan won the ODI series 2-1 — a narrow 1-run win in the first, a dominant 8-wicket loss in the second, and a thrilling 7-wicket win in the third. In that final ODI, Abrar Ahmed took 4 for 27, while Saim Ayub’s 77 off 70 balls carried Pakistan home. For the first time ever, Shaheen Shah Afridi led Pakistan in ODIs, and South Africa saw five players make their international debuts across formats.
What’s Next? The Momentum Builds
For Pakistan, this series win isn’t just about trophies. It’s about confidence. Babar Azam is back in rhythm. Shaheen’s pace and swing are terrifying again. Usman Tariq’s debut, though modest, signals depth. The team is building toward the 2026 T20 World Cup. For South Africa, the challenge is clearer: rebuild the middle order, find a consistent T20 captain, and rediscover their identity. They’ve lost three of their last four bilateral series against Pakistan. That trend can’t be ignored.
Behind the Numbers
- Pakistan’s win margin: 4 wickets with 6 balls to spare
- Babar Azam’s score: 68* (54 balls, 7 fours, 3 sixes)
- Shaheen Shah Afridi’s figures: 4-0-24-3
- Corbin Bosch’s all-round effort: 30* (37 balls), 2-24
- Total matches in the tour: 8 (2 Tests, 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs)
- Series outcomes: T20I — Pakistan 2-1; ODI — Pakistan 2-1
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Babar Azam’s performance impact Pakistan’s series win?
Babar Azam’s 68 not out in the final T20I was the defining innings of the series. He carried the batting lineup in all three matches, averaging 56.3 with two half-centuries. His calm under pressure, especially in chases, gave Pakistan the mental edge over South Africa. Without his leadership and execution, the 2-1 series win wouldn’t have been possible.
Why did South Africa struggle despite having experienced players?
South Africa’s core batting lineup — including Aiden Markram and David Miller — was absent due to rest or injury. Their replacements, like Lizaad Williams and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, showed promise but lacked consistency. The team also lacked a clear T20I captaincy plan, with Bosch stepping in under pressure. Without depth or rhythm, their batting crumbled in high-stakes moments.
What role did the pitch at Gaddafi Stadium play in the outcome?
The Gaddafi Stadium pitch offered moderate assistance to spinners and favored teams that batted second. The surface slowed down after 10 overs, making chasing easier than defending. Pakistan’s spinners, including debutant Usman Tariq, exploited this well. South Africa’s reliance on pace was neutralized, and their inability to adapt cost them in both T20Is held there.
How significant is this win for Pakistan’s World Cup preparations?
This series win is a major confidence boost. Pakistan now has a clear top order, a lethal new-ball bowler in Shaheen, and emerging spin options. Winning a bilateral series against a top-5 team on home soil under pressure proves they can perform when it matters. With the 2026 T20 World Cup in the U.S. and Caribbean looming, this momentum is exactly what they needed.
Who are the emerging players to watch from this tour?
Pakistan’s Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed showed promise with the ball, while Saim Ayub delivered crucial cameos with the bat. For South Africa, Lizaad Williams and Donovan Ferreira impressed in limited opportunities. Williams’ all-round ability and Ferreira’s composure under pressure suggest they could be key in future series.
What’s the historical context of Pakistan vs. South Africa in T20Is?
Before this series, Pakistan had won 11 of their last 15 T20Is against South Africa, including a 3-0 sweep in 2021. South Africa’s last series win over Pakistan in a T20I series was in 2019. This 2-1 victory extends Pakistan’s dominance in home conditions and reinforces their reputation as one of the toughest teams to beat in T20 cricket at home.
