Babar Leads Pakistan to T20 Series Victory on Triumphant Return
Babar Azam made a remarkable return to T20 cricket, leading Pakistan to a decisive series-clinching victory against South Africa. His stellar performance included a half-century that helped secure a four-wicket win at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Babar Azam’s Triumphant Performance
Scoring 68 runs off 46 balls, Babar played a pivotal role in chasing down South Africa’s total of 139 runs. With this performance, he also became the leading run-scorer in men’s T20 Internationals with a career tally surpassing Rohit Sharma.
Match Overview
- Date: Saturday
- Location: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Series Result: Pakistan won 2-1
- South Africa’s Record: Opened the series with a 55-run victory
After losing the toss, South Africa batted first and scored 139 runs. Pakistan started their innings confidently but faced early challenges as left-handed opener Saim Ayub was dismissed for a duck.
Key Moments of the Match
Babar’s innings helped solidify the chase, particularly a 76-run partnership with captain Salman Ali Agha, who contributed 33 runs. Despite a minor collapse that saw Pakistan lose four wickets for just 14 runs, Babar’s performance ensured that they reached 140 runs with one ball to spare.
As he reached his 50, the enthusiastic crowd of over 32,000 erupted in applause, especially after he struck three consecutive boundaries against South African bowler Ottneil Baartman.
Bowling Highlights
In South Africa’s innings, Shaheen Shah Afridi stood out, taking 3 wickets for 26 runs. He dismissed both Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius in the first over, setting the tone for Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Salman Mirza and mystery spinner Usman Tariq also contributed significantly, with Tariq impressively taking 2 wickets during his debut T20 match. Faheem Ashraf followed suit, taking two wickets in consecutive deliveries to cripple South Africa’s batters.
Final Thoughts
Babar Azam stated, “I backed myself, and the team believed in me.” His successful return not only showcases his talent but also boosts Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
