Pakistan kept the series alive with a resounding nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the 2nd T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Friday, October 31, 2025. The win sees the Men in Green level the three-match series 1-1, setting up a thrilling decider.
Toss & Start: Bold Bowling Call Pays Off
Stand-in skipper Agha Salman opted to bowl first — and Pakistan’s pacers ensured his decision looked brilliant within minutes.
Coming in for Shaheen Afridi, left-arm quick Salman Mirza delivered one of the best new-ball spells of his T20I career:
Mirza’s Powerplay spell: 3/14 (3 overs)
• Reeza Hendricks
• Tony de Zorzi
• Matthew Breetzke
Meanwhile, Naseem Shah found success as well, dismissing Quinton de Kock with a clever slower ball. After just 5 overs, South Africa were reeling at 23/4.
Brief Fightback… Then Collapse
Youngster Dewald Brevis attempted a recovery with a fiery 25 off 16, including three huge sixes. But Faheem Ashraf’s entry shut the door quickly.
He cleaned up the middle and lower order with an excellent spell:
Faheem’s figures: 4/23 (4 overs)
South Africa folded for 110 all out in 19.2 overs — giving Pakistan a golden chance to level the series.
Pakistan’s Chase: Saim Ayub Turns On The Heat
Pakistan’s opening duo, Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, gave the perfect start — a 54-run stand inside 7 overs. Farhan fell for 28 off 23, bringing Babar Azam to the crease.
But the night belonged to Saim Ayub.
He played one of his most assertive T20I knocks:
Saim Ayub — 71 off 38 balls*
6 fours
5 sixes
Strike rate: 186.84
He finished the game in style — smashing a six off SA skipper Donovan Ferreira — sealing the chase in just 13.1 overs.
Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 11 off 18.
Pakistan 111/1 in 13.1 overs
Series level: 1-1
PAK vs SA: Player of the Match: Salman Mirza
Mirza’s early burst is what broke South Africa’s spirit. His triple strike up front forced the visitors into survival mode from the start.
Key Stats, Records & Milestones
| Achievement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lowest South African T20I totals vs Pakistan | 110 — 4th lowest |
| Pakistani pacers domination | 9 wickets — joint-most in a T20I |
| Babar Azam’s milestone | Surpassed Rohit Sharma to become the No.1 all-time T20I run-scorer |
A special day for Pakistan cricket.
What’s Next? — Series Decider Incoming!
The 3rd T20I will also be held at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
With both teams locked 1–1, it’s all set for a blockbuster finale.
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