Pakistani bowlers dismantle South Africa for just 110 in second T20I

Lahore: Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a devastating performance in the second T20 International, skittling South Africa for a mere 110 runs in the first innings at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Right-arm pacer Salman Mirza set the tone early, unsettling the visiting batters with his sharp movement, while all-rounder Faheem Ashraf wrapped up the lower order with disciplined, pinpoint bowling. From the second delivery of the match to the final wicket, Pakistan’s attack gave the Proteas no room to settle, bowling them out in just 19.2 overs.

Faheem Ashraf starred with figures of 4 for 23, while Salman Mirza claimed 3 wickets for only 14 runs. Naseem Shah took 2 wickets, and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed picked up one.

South Africa’s innings began disastrously as Reeza Hendricks was bowled by Salman Mirza on the very second ball of the match. Quinton de Kock and Tony de Zorzi followed soon after, both dismissed for just 7 runs apiece, while Matthew Breetzke managed 10 before falling cheaply.

Dewald Brevis offered brief resistance with a fluent 25, but he too succumbed to Faheem Ashraf. Skipper Donovan Ferreira (15), George Linde (9), and Corbin Bosch (11) were unable to steady the innings as Pakistan maintained relentless pressure throughout.

At the toss, Pakistan captain Agha Salman Ali announced that Shaheen Shah Afridi had been rested for the match, with young fast bowler Salman Mirza drafted into the playing XI in his place.

Pakistan’s Playing XI:
Agha Salman (capt), Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed.

In the opening match of the T20 series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, the visitors had defeated Pakistan convincingly by 55 runs. Chasing a target of 195, Pakistan were bowled out for 139 in the 19th over, giving South Africa an early lead in the series.