PAK vs SA Ball by Ball Commentary

110/10(19.2 ov)

PAK

112/1(13.1 ov)

Pakistan beat South Africa by 9 wickets

Commentary

Pakistan

6:20 PM IST Right then, that’s all from this rather one-sided contest, as Pakistan level the series 1-1 and set up a mouth-watering decider. The action resumes in less than 24 hours, on 1st November, Saturday, at the same venue - the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The final T20I promises to be a cracker, and the first ball will be bowled at 3 pm GMT. As always, we’ll be with you early for all the build-up and pre-match chatter. Until then, take care and goodbye!

6:19 PM IST Salman Agha, the victorious skipper of Pakistan, says that South Africa outplayed them in the first game, and they did the same to them today, which sets it perfectly for the final game. Adds that they bowled well upfront and were ahead in the game. Mentions that the team that puts the first punch usually ends up on the winning side. Tells that everyone bowled well, and adds that Salman Mirza is working hard and learning new things. Further says that he is the backup for Shaheen Afridi and is becoming a first-choice player now. Reckons that they need to give time for Saim Ayub as he can play for the next 10 years. Hopes for him to continue and become a big player for Pakistan.

6:17 PM IST Donovan Ferreira, the captain of South Africa, says that they did not bat well, and it is hard to defend such a low score. Adds that you are not giving the bowlers enough runs, but now they will focus on the last game. Mentions that they were just not good enough with the bat, but it is a good thing they do not have much time to think about it as it is a short turnaround for the next game. Says that they can take a lot of learning from this game, the wicket got much better in the second innings when the dew settled in. Ends by saying that there is always pressure on you but you need to cherish it.

6:13 PM IST Salman Mirza is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his fine bowling effort. Says that the plan was simple to bowl within the stumps and according to the wicket, and as per the condition. Adds that the quicker they assess, the better they get the result. Mentions that making a comeback is always good, and shares that he prepares well whenever the chance comes for him. Closes by adding that the slower ball to Matthew Breetzke was his best wicket as it held in the wicket and took the off-stump.

6:01 PM IST Presentation Time...

6:01 PM IST Frankly, there isn't much to analyze about South Africa's bowling effort when they were left to defend such a paltry score. Corbin Bosch managed the only breakthrough, but the rest of the attack was essentially neutralized. While it's tough to fault them entirely given the circumstances, they clearly have to step up their game significantly in the next game.

5:54 PM IST Earlier in the game, after opting to bowl first, Pakistan’s bowlers were right on the money, with Salman Mirza setting the tone by striking thrice inside the Powerplay. Faheem Ashraf was the standout performer, claiming a four-wicket haul, while Naseem Shah picked up two and Abrar Ahmed chipped in with one - the only wicket for a spinner as they bundled out the Proteas for just 110. There were a few flashes of promise from Dewald Brevis, who top-scored with 25, but apart from him, it was a disappointing batting effort with as many as seven players failing to reach double figures.

5:53 PM IST While chasing, the Pakistani openers began cautiously, ensuring there were no early setbacks. Once they got their eyes in, they shifted gears and put on a solid 54-run stand that broke the back of the chase. The crowd was eager to see Babar Azam in action, and his very first shot - a delightful cover drive was worth every cheer. However, it was Saim Ayub who stole the spotlight at the other end, playing some breathtaking strokes and bringing up a much-needed half-century after a string of below-par performances. He remained unbeaten on a fantastic 71 off 38, and they wrapped things up with 9 wickets in hand.

5:51 PM IST A commanding win for Pakistan! A change of venue brought a change of fortune in front of a packed and passionate crowd here in Lahore. They have completely outplayed South Africa in all departments to level the series. The bowlers laid the perfect foundation, and the batters wrapped it up with around 7 overs to spare. South Africa, meanwhile, will want to quickly put this game behind them before heading into the series decider.

End of over 13.16 runs

PAK: 112/1CRR: 8.51

Ball

Saim Ayub:71 (38)

Babar Azam:11 (18)

Donovan Ferreira:3.1-0-22-0

13.1

Donovan Ferreira to Saim Ayub, 6 runs

SIX! SAIM AYUB GETS THE JOB DONE! Tad short, around off. Saim Ayub hangs back and pulls it hard and over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Pakistan win by 9 wickets with nearly seven overs to spare.

End of over 138 runs

PAK: 106/1CRR: 8.15RRR: 0.71

Ball

Babar Azam:11 (18)

Saim Ayub:65 (37)

George Linde:2-0-11-0

12.6

George Linde to Babar Azam, no run

Tossed up arm ball, on middle. Babar Azam pushes it back to Linde.

12.5

George Linde to Saim Ayub, 1 run

Flatter arm ball, around off. Saim Ayub slaps it to long off for one.

12.4

George Linde to Saim Ayub, 6 runs

SIX! BOOM! Fullish delivery, around off. Saim Ayub moves across and smokes the slog sweep over deep mid-wicket for a massive 92m hit.

100 Runs for the teamPakistan

Runs: 105/1

12.3

George Linde to Saim Ayub, no run

97.0kph

Flatter and slower through the air, around off. Saim Ayub tries the reverse sweep now but fails to connect.

12.2

George Linde to Saim Ayub, no run

90.5kph

Tosses it on a length, around off. Saim Ayub shimmies down to clear the ropes but gets the outside edge that rolls toward short third.

12.1

George Linde to Babar Azam, 1 run

91.8kph

Fuller and quicker, on the leg pole. Babar Azam uses his feet and drills this to long on for one.

End of over 123 runs

PAK: 98/1CRR: 8.17RRR: 1.62

Ball

Babar Azam:10 (16)

Saim Ayub:58 (33)

Donovan Ferreira:3-0-16-0

11.6

Donovan Ferreira to Babar Azam, 1 run

97.3kph

Tossed up on the middle and leg. Babar Azam eases this to long on for a single.

11.5

Donovan Ferreira to Babar Azam, no run

90.5kph

Darted on the leg. Babar Azam looks to sweep and misses onto the pad. It rolls to the left of the keeper.

11.4

Donovan Ferreira to Babar Azam, no run

A similar ball, fullish, on off. Bunted off the inner half, back to the bowler.

11.3

Donovan Ferreira to Babar Azam, no run

Fuller and quicker, on off. Babar Azam pushes it back to the bowler.

11.2

Donovan Ferreira to Saim Ayub, 1 run

Flatter, around off. Saim Ayub pushes this to wide of long off for one.

11.1

Donovan Ferreira to Babar Azam, 1 run

98.7kph

Flighted full, on off. Babar Azam pushes it down to long off for one. This run takes Babar Azam to become the highest scorer in the T20Is. Some feat this from the southpaw.

End of over 113 runs

PAK: 95/1CRR: 8.64RRR: 1.77

Ball

Saim Ayub:57 (32)

Babar Azam:8 (11)

George Linde:1-0-3-0

10.6

George Linde to Saim Ayub, no run

89.8kph

Flatter arm ball, around off. Saim Ayub shuffles across and chops into the off-side.

10.5

George Linde to Babar Azam, 1 run

Tossed up on the middle. Babar Azam gets forward and turns it off the inner half toward square leg for one.

10.4

George Linde to Babar Azam, no run

88.9kph

Looped up on the middle and leg. Babar Azam prods and defends.

10.3

George Linde to Saim Ayub, 1 run

Flatter and outside off. Saim Ayub cuts this to deep point for a single.

10.2

George Linde to Babar Azam, 1 run

Flatter, just outside off. Babar Azam punches it through the cover point region for one.

10.1

George Linde to Babar Azam, no run

93.1kph

Tossed up full, on off. Babar Azam prods and defends.

5:34 PM IST DRINKS BREAK! Pakistan are cruising in their chase of 111, needing just 19 more runs for a comprehensive victory. Saim Ayub and Babar Azam are looking solid at the crease and seem determined to see their side home. South Africa, meanwhile, will be hoping to break this partnership and spark a late twist in the contest.

End of over 1010 runs

PAK: 92/1CRR: 9.20RRR: 1.90

Ball

Saim Ayub:56 (30)

Babar Azam:6 (7)

Donovan Ferreira:2-0-13-0

9.6

Donovan Ferreira to Saim Ayub, 6 runs

100.2kph

SIX! HIGH AND HANDSOME! Tossed up full, just outside off. Saim Ayub picks it early and lofts it elegantly over long off for a biggie.

9.5

Donovan Ferreira to Babar Azam, 1 run

Flatter on the leg. Babar Azam tucks it through the backward square leg region for a single.

9.4

Donovan Ferreira to Saim Ayub, 1 run

92.0kph

FIFTY FOR SAIM AYUB! Tossed up on off. Eased down to long off for one. Saim Ayub has been struggling to find his rhythm with the bat lately, and this fifty will do his confidence a world of good.

Saim Ayub

Runs: 50(29)SR: 172.41

9.3

Donovan Ferreira to Saim Ayub, 2 runs

98.5kph

Fuller and quicker, around off. Saim Ayub drives it nicely toward the deep extra cover region for a couple.

9.2

Donovan Ferreira to Saim Ayub, no run

Darted on a length, angled in, and goes past the leg pole. Saim Ayub looks to work it across the line but misses.

9.1

Donovan Ferreira to Saim Ayub, no run

Fuller and quicker at the stumps. Pushed back to the bowler.

End of over 921 runs

PAK: 82/1CRR: 9.11RRR: 2.63

Ball

Saim Ayub:47 (25)

Babar Azam:5 (6)

Ottneil Baartman:2-0-34-0

8.6

Ottneil Baartman to Saim Ayub, 1 run

138.4kph

Fuller than a length and outside off. Saim Ayub drills it to deep extra cover for a single. 21 runs off the over. Pakistan are just 29 runs away from making it 1-1.

8.5

Ottneil Baartman to Saim Ayub, 6 runs

SIX! THAT IS A SAIM AYUB SPECIAL! Good-length delivery, angled into the pad. Saim Ayub gets inside the line and whips it over the long leg boundary for a no-look hit. That came from the meat of the blade and went sailing into the stands.

8.4

Ottneil Baartman to Saim Ayub, 4 runs

141.0kph

FOUR! TOP SHOT! Back of a length, around off. Saim Ayub gets on his toes, rides the bounce, and carves it over the backward point fielder. It rockets off the blade and races to the ropes in a flash.

8.3

Ottneil Baartman to Saim Ayub, no run

140.3kph

Skiddy length ball, around off. Saim Ayub chops it to the man at the backward point.

8.2

Ottneil Baartman to Saim Ayub, 6 runs

141.0kph

SIX! BANG! That sounded sweet and went all the way! Good length delivery on the middle. Saim Ayub picks it early and smokes this over the wide long-on boundary for a massive hit.

8.1

Ottneil Baartman to Saim Ayub, 4 runs

140.1kph

FOUR! Streaky, but Saim Ayub will take it. Fuller than a length and pushed across the batter. Ayub swings hard, gets the outside edge that runs down to the deep third region for a lucky boundary.

Saim Ayub

Runs: 30(20)SR: 150.00

End of over 83 runs

PAK: 61/1CRR: 7.63RRR: 4.16

Ball

Saim Ayub:26 (19)

Babar Azam:5 (6)

Donovan Ferreira:1-0-3-0

7.6

Donovan Ferreira to Saim Ayub, 1 run

Short again, on middle, Saim Ayub punches it to long on for one more.

7.5

Donovan Ferreira to Babar Azam, 1 run

86.3kph

A bit short and on middle, Babar Azam nudges it through mid-wicket for one.

7.4

Donovan Ferreira to Babar Azam, no run

109.3kph

Flighted, full and on middle, Babar Azam blocks it out.

7.3

Donovan Ferreira to Babar Azam, no run

Tossed up, full and on off, Babar Azam guides it towards short third and sets off for the run but is sent back. The fielder throws it at the keeper's end, where QDK takes the bails off in a flash but Babar is home.

7.2

Donovan Ferreira to Babar Azam, no run

95.6kph

Flatter, full and on middle, Babar Azam fends it back to the bowler.

7.1

Donovan Ferreira to Saim Ayub, 1 run

Floated, full and around off, Saim Ayub slices it over extra covers for a single.

End of over 79 runs

PAK: 58/1CRR: 8.29RRR: 4.07

Ball

Babar Azam:4 (2)

Saim Ayub:24 (17)

Corbin Bosch:2-0-17-1

6.6

Corbin Bosch to Babar Azam, no run

140.5kph

On a length and on middle, Babar Azam clips it to mid-wicket.

6.5

Corbin Bosch to Babar Azam, 4 runs

142.2kph

FOUR! Gets off the mark in some style! Corbin Bosch goes much fuller and around off, Babar Azam leans on and plays a textbook cover drive for a boundary. The balance, the head position, the footwork, absolutely perfect. The crowd loves it!

5:20 PM IST A huge roar from the crowd as Babar Azam walks out to bat at number 3.

6.4

Corbin Bosch to Sahibzada Farhan, no run

143.4kph

OUT! LBW! Corbin Bosch strikes! He goes full and straight, attacking the stumps, nips back in a bit as well. Sahibzada Farhan looks to work it across the line but misses and gets hit on the pads right in front of the stumps. There is a big appeal for LBW, and up goes the finger with no hesitation. Farhan does not even bother to take the review and walks back for 28 off 23. Pakistan are 54/!

Sahibzada Farhan

28 (23b 0x4 3x6)SR: 121.74

lbw b Corbin Bosch

6.3

Corbin Bosch to Saim Ayub, 1 run

140.4kph

DROPPED! One of those nights for South Africa! Corbin Bosch bangs this into the pitch, on middle, takes pace off. Saim Ayub plays the pull with one leg in the air but mistimes it towards deep mid-wicket. Dewald Brevis is slow to get off the blocks, dives forward, and gets both hands on it just above the ground but spills it out. A single taken.

6.2

Corbin Bosch to Saim Ayub, no run

144.3kph

Goes fuller and on off, Saim Ayub watches it through and blocks it out.

6.1

Corbin Bosch to Saim Ayub, 4 runs

141.6kph

FOUR! Streaky! Short of a length and around off, angling away, Saim Ayub slashes hard it but gets an outside edge that races to the third man fence for a boundary. 50 up for Pakistan!

50 Runs for the teamPakistan

Runs: 53/0

End of over 613 runs

PAK: 49/0CRR: 8.17RRR: 4.42

Ball

Sahibzada Farhan:28 (22)

Saim Ayub:19 (14)

Ottneil Baartman:1-0-13-0

5.6

Ottneil Baartman to Sahibzada Farhan, 6 runs

SIX! Third one for Sahibzada Farhan! Pitched up and on off, Farhan once again gets his front foot out of the way and dispatches it ease over the long off fence for half a dozen more. Pakistan are 49 for no loss at the end of the Powerplay!

5.5

Ottneil Baartman to Sahibzada Farhan, no run

136.9kph

Touch fuller and on middle, Sahibzada Farhan backs away to go over covers but gets an inside edge towards mid-wicket.

5.4

Ottneil Baartman to Saim Ayub, 1 run

135.7kph

Tip and run! Back of a length and on off, Saim Ayub pats it in front of extra covers for a single.

5.3

Ottneil Baartman to Saim Ayub, no run

On a length and on off, Saim Ayub steers it towards point.

5.2

Ottneil Baartman to Saim Ayub, 4 runs

FOUR! Powered away! Goes a bit fuller and around off, Saim Ayub makes a bit of toom, gets under it and thumps it past the bowler and to the long off fence for a boundary.

5.1

Ottneil Baartman to Saim Ayub, 2 runs

Almost dragged on! Short of a length and around off, Saim Ayub looks to cut it away but gets an inside edge just past the stumps and wide of short fine. The fielder dives to his left to get some hand on it, which slows down the momentum of the ball. He gets up and chases after and stops it again. Two more added to the total.

5:12 PM IST Double change. Ottneil Baartman comes into the attack now.

End of over 58 runs

PAK: 36/0CRR: 7.20RRR: 5

Ball

Sahibzada Farhan:22 (20)

Saim Ayub:12 (10)

Corbin Bosch:1-0-8-0

4.6

Corbin Bosch to Sahibzada Farhan, 2 runs

Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, Sahibzada Farhan swivels and pulls it over mid-wicket. Tony de Zorzi from deep square leg runs a long way to his left to cut it out. Two taken. Pakistan need 75 runs in 90 balls now!

4.5

Corbin Bosch to Sahibzada Farhan, no run

Touch fuller and around off, Sahibzada Farhan pushes it towards cover. Four dots in a row now!

4.4

Corbin Bosch to Sahibzada Farhan, no run

138.3kph

Short of a length and on off, Sahibzada Farhan punches it to extra covers.

4.3

Corbin Bosch to Sahibzada Farhan, no run

So close! Back of a length and around middle, jags back in sharply with extra bounce. Sahibzada Farhan tries to cut it away but instead gets cut in half as the ball just goes over the stumps.

4.2

Corbin Bosch to Sahibzada Farhan, no run

142.5kph

Pitched up and on off, Sahibzada Farhan drives it to mid off.

4.1

Corbin Bosch to Sahibzada Farhan, 6 runs

141.1kph

SIX! BOOM! Welcome to the game, Corbin Bosch! Fuller in length and on middle, in the slot as well. Sahibzada Farhan clears his front leg out and smokes it over the long on fence for a biggie.

5:07 PM IST First change. Corbin Bosch replaces Nandre Burger.

End of over 49 runs

PAK: 28/0CRR: 7.00RRR: 5.18

Ball

Sahibzada Farhan:14 (14)

Saim Ayub:12 (10)

Lungi Ngidi:2-0-14-0

3.6

Lungi Ngidi to Sahibzada Farhan, 1 run

Slower once again, full and on leg, Sahibzada Farhan clips it towards mid-wicket for one.

3.5

Lungi Ngidi to Sahibzada Farhan, no run

138.2kph

Short of a length, angling into the body of the batter. Sahibzada Farhan looks to pull it but gets cramped up and it goes off the inner half of the bat towards short fine.

3.4

Lungi Ngidi to Sahibzada Farhan, 6 runs

114.6kph

SIX! BANG! Superb shot! Another off-cutter, full and on middle. Sahibzada Farhan jumps out of his crease, crouches low, and extends his arms to reach out for it before tonking it over the long off fence for a biggie.

3.3

Lungi Ngidi to Saim Ayub, 1 run

Takes pace off, full and on middle, Saim Ayub knocks it towards mid on for a run.

3.2

Lungi Ngidi to Saim Ayub, no run

Back of a length and on off, Saim Ayub uses his feet but only to stab it towards short covers.

3.1

Lungi Ngidi to Sahibzada Farhan, 1 run

Fuller one and on middle, Sahibzada Farhan eases it to long on for a single.

End of over 39 runs

PAK: 19/0CRR: 6.33RRR: 5.41

Ball

Saim Ayub:11 (8)

Sahibzada Farhan:6 (10)

Nandre Burger:2-0-14-0

2.6

Nandre Burger to Saim Ayub, no run

On a length and on leg, Saim Ayub nudges it in front of mid-wicket and wants the run but is sent back.

2.6

Nandre Burger to Saim Ayub, 1 run

WIDE! He will have to reload that one. Bangs this into the pitch but down the leg side, Saim Ayub lets it go. Wided.

2.5

Nandre Burger to Saim Ayub, no run

Good length and just around off, keeps a bit low, Saim Ayub tries to cut it away but misses.

2.4

Nandre Burger to Sahibzada Farhan, 1 run

142.2kph

Hard-length delivery, on middle, Sahibzada Farhan heaves it away towards deep square leg for a run.

2.3

Nandre Burger to Sahibzada Farhan, 2 runs

Uppish but safe! Back of a length and on middle, Sahibzada Farhan plays the short-arm jab but checks his shot a bit. It goes in the air but wide of mid on. Corbin Bosch chases after it and sldies to push it back inside. Two taken.

2.2

Nandre Burger to Saim Ayub, 1 run

143.6kph

Fuller one and on middle, angling in, Saim Ayub tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

2.1

Nandre Burger to Saim Ayub, 4 runs

141.8kph

FOUR! Up and over! Short of a length and just outside off, Saim Ayub gets the chance to free his arms and smacks it over extra covers for a boundary.

End of over 25 runs

PAK: 10/0CRR: 5.00RRR: 5.61

Ball

Saim Ayub:6 (4)

Sahibzada Farhan:3 (8)

Lungi Ngidi:1-0-5-0

1.6

Lungi Ngidi to Saim Ayub, 1 run

Good length and on off, slower again, Saim Ayub steers it towards cover-point for one.

1.5

Lungi Ngidi to Saim Ayub, no run

138.3kph

Pitched up but down the leg side again, Saim Ayub fails to glance it away. No signal from the umpire. It might have just brushed his pads on the way to the keeper.

1.4

Lungi Ngidi to Sahibzada Farhan, 1 run

111.4kph

A slower one, full and on off, Sahibzada Farhan heaves it off the inside half of the bat wide of mid-wicket for a run.

1.3

Lungi Ngidi to Sahibzada Farhan, no run

136.0kph

Short of a length and on off, Sahibzada Farhan stays back and punches it to extra covers.

1.2

Lungi Ngidi to Saim Ayub, 1 run

135.6kph

Hard length and on leg, Saim Ayub nudges it through mid-wicket for a run.

1.2

Lungi Ngidi to Saim Ayub, 1 run

133.9kph

WIDE! Back of a length and around leg Saim Ayub gets inside the line to hook it away but misses. Called a wide.

1.1

Lungi Ngidi to Sahibzada Farhan, 1 run

On a length and on off, Sahibzada Farhan pats it towards mid off for a single.

4:53 PM IST Lungi Ngidi to bowl from the other end.

End of over 15 runs

PAK: 5/0CRR: 5.00RRR: 5.57

Ball

Saim Ayub:4 (1)

Sahibzada Farhan:1 (5)

Nandre Burger:1-0-5-0

0.6

Nandre Burger to Saim Ayub, 4 runs

144.6kph

FOUR! Easy pickings! Nandre Burger errs in line and serves this full, down the leg side. Saim Ayub just has to get some on that one and he just tickles it away to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

0.5

Nandre Burger to Sahibzada Farhan, 1 run

141.8kph

Pitched up and around off, Sahibzada Farhan slices it away towards deep point for a single. Pakistan are underway in the chase!

0.4

Nandre Burger to Sahibzada Farhan, no run

144.3kph

Swing and a miss! Back of a length and on off, angling away again, Sahibzada Farhan has a wild siwng across the line but fails to connect. He just needs to calm down a bit.

0.3

Nandre Burger to Sahibzada Farhan, no run

146.7kph

A bit of a mix-up but no harm done! In the blockhole, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan jams it out towards extra covers and sets off for the run. However, he is sent back when he is already halfway through. The fielder misses his shy at the batter's end as Farhan puts on a dive as well.

0.2

Nandre Burger to Sahibzada Farhan, no run

145.0kph

BEATEN! Goes a bit fuller and around off, angling it away from the batter. Sahibzada Farhan goes chasing after it but the ball zips past the outside edge. QDK dives to his right to grab it.

0.1