Lahore, November 1, 2025: A collective bowling display led by Shaheen Shah Afridi helped Pakistan restrict South Africa to a below-par total of 139 for nine in the third and final T20 International at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s decision to bowl first paid off handsomely as his bowlers kept the Proteas under constant pressure throughout the innings.
South Africa got off to a disastrous start, losing both Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius for ducks to the returning Shaheen Afridi, who struck twice in his opening spell.
Youngster Dewald Brevis and Reeza Hendricks tried to steady the innings with a 38-run stand before debutant Usman Tariq dismissed Brevis for 21 off 22 balls, which included two sixes.
The collapse continued as Mohammad Nawaz bowled Matthew Breetzke for one, leaving South Africa reeling at 42 for four in the ninth over.
Proteas skipper Donovan Ferreira attempted a counterattack, smashing 29 off 14 deliveries with three sixes and a four, but his stay was cut short by Faheem Ashraf, who then dismissed George Linde off the very next ball to tighten Pakistan’s grip on the innings.
Meanwhile, Hendricks, who anchored the innings amid the fall of wickets, scored a steady 34 off 36 balls with two boundaries before being removed by Tariq in the 15th over.
All-rounder Corbin Bosch provided some resistance down the order, remaining unbeaten on 30 from 23 balls, while Andile Simelane contributed 13 to take the visitors to 139/9.
Shaheen Afridi was the standout performer, claiming 3 for 26 in four overs. He was well supported by Faheem Ashraf and Usman Tariq, who picked up two wickets each, while Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Mirza took one apiece.
