Pakistan will look to revive their form and confidence when they take on a high-flying South Africa in the second Twenty20 International of the three-match series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Friday night. The hosts, struggling across departments, face a must-win situation after losing the opening match by 55 runs in Rawalpindi.
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The first game exposed several flaws in Pakistan’s setup, particularly in the batting lineup. Chasing a target of 195, Pakistan crumbled for just 139, with no batter able to play a commanding innings. The team’s top and middle order, featuring experienced names like Babar Azam, captain Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Hasan Nawaz, and Usman Khan, collectively underperformed. The lack of partnerships and consistency continues to be a major concern for Pakistan ahead of the crucial second match.
The bowling department fared no better. Star pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed struggled to contain runs, conceding 45, 34, and 42 respectively in their four-over spells. The only positives came from all-rounders Mohammad Nawaz and Saim Ayub, who contributed both with bat and ball. Nawaz impressed with figures of 3-26 and a quick 36 runs, while Saim took 2-31 and added 37 runs, showing signs of promise in an otherwise disappointing team effort.
Pakistan will once again rely heavily on former captain Babar Azam to lead from the front. Returning to T20Is after nearly ten months, Babar fell for a duck in the opening game but remains Pakistan’s most reliable batter in the format with 4,223 runs in 129 matches at an average of 39.46 and a strike-rate of 129.14. His form could play a decisive role in keeping Pakistan alive in the series.
Team changes appear likely as the management considers ways to strengthen the lineup. Pacer Salman Mirza or Mohammad Wasim Jr. could replace Naseem Shah, who was expensive in the first outing. Hasan Nawaz’s position may also come under review as the team looks for a more balanced combination.
South Africa, meanwhile, will look to maintain their momentum and secure the series with a game to spare. Their top order performed efficiently in Rawalpindi, with Reeza Hendricks anchoring the innings with a well-crafted 60. He was supported by Quinton de Kock (23) and Tony de Zorzi (33), who ensured a strong platform. The Proteas bowlers then delivered a clinical performance, led by pacer Corbin Bosch’s superb spell of 4-14 and left-arm spinner George Linde’s 3-31, which left Pakistan’s batters in disarray.
Despite the setback, Pakistan will take comfort from their solid T20 record in Lahore, where they have won 16 of their 26 matches. The home crowd and familiar conditions at Gaddafi Stadium could give them the boost they need to level the series.
Weather conditions are expected to remain pleasant with a temperature of around 25°C, though rising air quality levels in Lahore remain a minor concern. Both teams trained under lights on Thursday, but neither held any press conferences before the match, keeping their strategies under wraps.
For Pakistan, the second T20I is not just about survival in the series — it is about restoring belief, regaining rhythm, and proving their mettle against a confident South African side that is showing no signs of slowing down.
