Saim Ayub and Faheem Ashraf lead Pakistan to a commanding victory over South Africa to level T20 series

Pakistan dominated South Africa with a nine-wicket win in the second T20I at Lahore, bowling them out for 110 before easing to the target and leveling the three-match series 1-1.

Written by: Sruti Thakur Edited by: Sruti Thakur

Published: November 1, 2025, 2:21 PM IST

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https://www.india.com/sports/saim-ayub-and-faheem-ashraf-lead-pakistan-to-a-commanding-victory-over-south-africa-to-level-t20-series-8160867/ Copy

New Delhi: Pakistan secured a commanding-nine wicket victory South Africa by nine wickets in the second T20I at Lahore on Friday, bringing the three-match series back on level terms at 1-1. Pakistan crushed the visitors for just 110 and then chased down the target comfortably.

Left-arm pacer Salman Mirza, whowas just playing his sixth T20I match, made a big impact with the new ball, as he grabbed 3 for 14 dismissing Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi and Matthew Breetzke in a sharp opening burst. Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf provided strong support, cleverly mixing their variations to maintain constant pressure on the South African batters.

Quinton de Kock failed to deliver again

Quinton de Kock failed to deliver again, edging Naseem Shah as South Africa slipped to 23 for 4 in just five overs. Dewald Brevis offered brief resistance with a quick 25 off 16 balls, which included three sixes, before becoming another victim of Faheem, who ended with figures of 4 for 26. Struggling at 66 for 6 at the halfway mark, South Africa couldn’t bounce back and were eventually dismissed for 110 in the final over.

Meanwhile, Pakistan chased down the total easily. Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan put together a 54-run opening stand, with Farhan taking his time while Ayub batted with flair, bringing up his maiden T20I half-century in front of the home supporters. His standout moment came in the ninth over when he smashed Ottneil Baartman for 21 runs, which featured two towering sixes and two boundaries.

Babar Azam also achieved a notable milestone

After Farhan’s wicket, skipper Babar Azam along side Ayub guided Pakistan over the line. During his knock, Babar also achieved a notable milestone, surpassing Rohit Sharma to become the leading run-scorer in T20Is.

Ayub remained unbeaten as Pakistan finished the chase in style, winning with 41 balls to spare. The win sets up an exciting series finale on Saturday, with the teams locked at 1-1. South Africa will have to work on their batting approach, while Pakistan will aim to carry forward their momentum in both departments.