Babar Azam was the man of the moment, scoring 68 from 47 deliveries to take Pakistan to victory. It was his 37th T20I half-century overall, and his first since May 2024.

South Africa once again had a poor start to the match. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first. Shaheen Shah Afridi burst through the defenses of Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dré Pretorius in the first over, leaving the Proteas reeling at 0/2.

Reeza Hendricks tried to rebuild the innings, with fair contributions from Dewald Brevis (21 off 22) and Donovan Ferreira (29 off 14), finally top-scoring at 34 off 36. 

Faheem Ashraf struck through the middle to leave the visitors wobbling at 95 for seven, but Corbin Bosch chipped in with an unbeaten 30 off 23 to take the Proteas to 139 for nine in their 20 overs.

‘Getting rid of Saim Ayub’

Bosch also struck early for South Africa, getting rid of Saim Ayub for a duck, but Barbar’s partnerships with Sahibzada Farhan and Salma Agha kept Pakistan well ahead. Ferreira got the wicket of Farhan (19 off 18), and Bosch also eventually put an end to Azam’s innings.

Lizaad Williams (2-26) and Andile Simelane (1-23) picked up late wickets, but by that time the damage was done.

“This innings was due,” said Babar at the post-match presentation. “I backed myself, and the team believed in me. I was hoping for such a knock. There is pressure in everything. It is about how you absorb it, and I wanted to do what the team needed, play according to the situation. We wanted to take it deep and build partnerships, and it worked for the team.” 

The two teams begin a three-match One-Day International series in Faisalabad on Tuesday.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg