Pakistan and South Africa are preparing for an electrifying showdown as they both are set to lock horns in the third and final T20I on Saturday in Lahore. The series is currently locked at 1-1, and both sides have everything to play for to clinch the series.

After South Africa’s convincing victory in the first T20I, Pakistan responded emphatically in the second match, producing a dominant all-round performance to level the series with a nine-wicket win. One of the biggest positives for Pakistan in the second T20I was their vastly improved bowling display.

Salman Mirza, playing in only his sixth T20I, produced a standout performance, claiming 3 wickets for just 14 runs in his 4-over spell. Faheem Ashraf was equally impressive, bagging four crucial wickets, breaking the back of South Africa’s middle order. Making good use of the conditions, Pakistan bowled South Africa out for 110 in 19.2 overs.

In their chase, Pakistan were absolutely flawless, with an opening stand of 54 between Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub setting them up for victory. Sahibzada Farhan departed after scoring 28, but Saim Ayub and Babar Azam finished things off with an unbroken 58 for the second wicket. Pakistan will now be eager to carry that momentum forward and clinch the series.

For South Africa, the challenge lies in finding consistency with both bat and ball. Their batting lineup, led by Reeza Hendricks and Quinton de Kock, has struggled to sustain partnerships. The bowlers, too, have had mixed fortunes. They were dominant in the first match but remained ineffective in the second. The Proteas will hope to bounce back and end the series on a high note.

Head-to-head

Matches - 26

PAK won - 13

SA won - 13

Pakistan probable XI: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (c), Usman Khan (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed

South Africa probable XI: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira (c), George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman, Lungi Ngidi