
4th T20I Pakistan stutter and stumble but secure series win
Author: Marco Fontana
Pakistan managed to complete a clean sweep of four trophies in four series against South Africa though they had some very anxious moments prior to scrambling to a 3-wicket win with a ball to spare in the fourth and the final T20 international that took place at the SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday.
“It is a big moment for Pakistan. It is not easy winning matches in South Africa,” said Captain Babar Azam through an interpreter. Earlier in the season, Pakistan had managed to defeat South Africa both in Tests and in T20 internationals held in Pakistan, that was followed up a 2-1 one-day series win that came with a 3-1 victory in the T20s that rounded off a successful tour.
Faheem Ashraf, a medium-pace bowler set up what appeared to be an easy win for Pakistan the moment he took three for 17 as South Africa were bowled out for 144 on what’s usually a high-scoring ground. By then, Pakistan were cruising at 92 for one in the tenth over as Fakhar Zaman and Babar shared an impressive second-wicket partnership after Rizwan was stumped in the first over.
South Africa, having five key players released to the IPL (Indian Premier League) and without captain Bavumba Tembadue to injury, battled poorly. However, they managed to claw themselves back to the match despite bowling four no-ball and seven wides.
The 4th T20I series finalized a truncated home season for South Africa, who lost a T20 series when they faced off with England and gained their only series win the moment they won two Tests when facing off with Sri Lanka before taking on Pakistan.
Azam Babar did praise the facilities that his team used in a bio-secure country between Centurion and Johannesburg, with the matches being shared between the two venues. His entire team will now head to Zimbabwe for a three T20 internationals, along with two Tests against Zimbabwe.