South Africa Clinch Series Lead as Pakistan Collapse in 2nd T20I at Gaddafi Stadium

South Africa tighten grip on T20I series as Pakistan falter again in Lahore showdown

In a high-stakes clash at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, South Africa delivered a commanding performance to defeat Pakistan in the second T20I of the 2025 series, securing a 2–0 lead and sealing the three-match contest with one game to spare.

Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Pakistan hoped to exploit the evening dew and restrict the Proteas to a chaseable total. However, the visitors had other plans. Reeza Hendricks, continuing his rich vein of form, anchored the innings with a fluent 60 off 40 balls, while Tony de Zorzi and George Linde chipped in with brisk thirties to push the total to a competitive 194/9 in 20 overs.

Pakistan’s bowling unit struggled to contain the flow of runs. Despite tidy spells from Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz, the attack lacked penetration. The absence of early wickets allowed South Africa to build momentum, and late strikes from Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah couldn’t prevent the visitors from crossing the 190-mark.

Chasing 195, Pakistan’s top order faltered under pressure. Sahibzada Farhan, Ayub, and Nawaz got starts but failed to convert them into substantial scores. The middle order collapsed in clusters, and the hosts were bundled out for 139 in the 19th over, handing South Africa a 55-run victory—eerily similar to the margin in the first T20I.

The Proteas’ bowling was clinical. Corbin Bosch led the charge with four wickets, while Lizaad Williams and Linde shared the spoils, dismantling Pakistan’s resistance with precision and pace.

With this win, South Africa not only clinched the series but also sent a strong message ahead of the upcoming global T20 tournaments. Pakistan, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly and salvage pride in the final match.