LAHORE (Kashmir English): Pakistan thrashed South Africa (Pak vs SA) in the 2nd T20I of the three-match series to level the series 1-1 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday.
Chasing a modest 111-run target, the home side comfortably knocked the winning runs for the loss of just one wicket and 41 balls to spare.
Pakistan got off to a flamboyant start to the pursuit, with their opening pair of Saim and Sahibzada Farhan putting together a brisk 54-run partnership.
The opening stand was eventually broken by Corbin Bosch in the seventh over when he trapped Farhan lbw with an in-dipper. The right-handed opener scored 28 off 23 deliveries with the help of three sixes.
Ayub was then joined by star batter Babar Azam in the middle, and the duo ensured Pakistan sailed over the line without further setbacks as they registered a match-winning 64-run partnership.
The second-wicket partnership was largely dominated by Ayub, who remained the top-scorer with an unbeaten 71 off just 38 deliveries, smashing six fours and five sixes, while Babar made 11 not out from 18 balls.
For South Africa, Bosch was the solitary wicket-taker.
Faheem was the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan, dismissing four South African batters for just 23 runs in 3.2 overs, followed by Salman Mirza, who gave away just 14 runs in his four to pick up three wickets. Naseem Shah lent ample support with two scalps, while Abrar chipped in with one.
Playing XIs
South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira (c), George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman, and Lungi Ngidi.
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha (c), Usman Khan (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, and Abrar Ahmed.
