Pakistan restrict South Africa to 139 in third T20I
Shaheen dismisses three batters, Faheem and Usman take two wickets each
November 01, 2025
South Africa posted a 140-run target for Pakistan in the third and final T20I match at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
A collective bowling effort helped the home side to curtail South Africa for a below-par total.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha's decision to field first proved beneficial as his team’s bowling unit allowed South Africa to accumulate 139/9 in 20 overs.
The Proteas got off to a disastrous start to their innings as returning Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius for ducks.
Following the back-to-back setbacks, youngster Dewald Brevis joined Reeza Hendricks in the middle, and the duo batted cautiously to put together 38 runs until the former fell victim to debutant Usman Tariq in the eighth over.
Brevis remained a notable run-getter for South Africa, scoring 21 off 22 deliveries with the help of two sixes.
South Africa lost another wicket in the next over when Mohammad Nawaz cleaned up Matthew Breetzke (one) and consequently slipped to 42/4 in 8.2 overs.
Proteas captain Donovan Ferreira then attempted to take the attack back to the home side bowlers with a blistering cameo, but was sent back by Faheem Ashraf after scoring a brisk 14-ball 29, comprising three sixes and a four.
Faheem struck again on the next delivery, outfoxing all-rounder George Linde (zero) with a short-pitched delivery, reducing South Africa further to 76.6 in 11.5 overs.
Meanwhile, Hendricks, who held one end firmly amid the collapse, was eventually removed by debutant Tariq in the 15th over. He top-scored for the visitors with a cautious 34 off 36, hitting two boundaries.
All-rounder Corbin Bosch then oversaw South Africa’s batting expedition with an unbeaten 30 off 23 deliveries. He also shared a 23-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Andile Simelane, who contributed with a 10-ball 13.
Shaheen was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, taking three wickets for just 26 runs in his four overs. He was adequately supported by Faheem and Tariq, who bagged two each, while Nawaz and Salman Mirza chipped in with one scalp apiece.
