Shaheen, Salman Lead Pakistan’s Charge as South Africa Set 140 in 3rd T20

Lahore had a familiar rhythm again, including loud drums, flashing lights, and Shaheen Shah Afridi steaming in under the Gaddafi glow. Pakistan had won the toss and decided to bowl first in the series decider against South Africa. The decision paid off instantly.

From there, South Africa’s innings wobbled. Reeza Hendricks and Brevis tried to anchor the innings with their trademark touch, finding gaps square of the wicket and keeping the scoreboard alive. But every small stand met a sharp end. 

Pakistan’s bowlers rotated with purpose, where Faheem Ashraf mixed cutters with seam, Salman Mirza pushing the pace with bite. The fielders backed them with energy rarely seen in mid-series games, cutting singles and building pressure through discipline. This is what the fans are expecting from them.

Donovan Ferreira also put in some efforts, 29 off 14 balls, but Pakistan’s bowlers refused to let the tempo rise. Faheem Ashraf kept the ball tight on a nagging line, and Salman Mirza bowled brilliantly again after his heroics in the second T20. Faheem's slower ones dipped, his yorkers found targets, and he sent back Ferreira, making things worse for SA batters.

In just 12 overs, South Africa slipped to 76 for 6. South African fans were disappointed at that time. 

Hendricks and Bosch tried to salvage the innings, nudging the ball around and picking gaps. But Pakistan’s fielding was sharp, fast, alert, and never eased up. Usman Tariq, on debut, held his nerve and bowled with control, mixing pace variations and earning praise from the skipper mid-over.

By the end of 20 overs, South Africa stumbled to 130 for 9. It isn’t a poor score, but it isn’t match-winning either. On a surface offering grip and bounce, 140 felt competitive only if early wickets came their way.

After the 1st innings, the equation became simple: Pakistan needed 140 to take the series. A modest total, but Lahore’s dew, pressure, and unpredictability still have to say. One more inning stood between Pakistan and a series win, and between South Africa and pride.

Series so far: 

1st T20: SA won by 55 runs 

2nd T20: Pak won by 9 wickets