Pakistan crush South Africa by nine wickets to level T20I series

LAHORE: In a commanding display of all-round cricket, Pakistan crushed South Africa by nine wickets in the second T20 International at a packed Gaddafi Stadium on Friday night, leveling the three-match series 1-1 and setting up a thrilling decider at the same venue on Saturday.

Chasing a modest 111-run target, Pakistan’s top order made light work of the pursuit, reaching 112 for 1 in just 13.1 overs. The chase was anchored by a scintillating innings from Saim Ayub, who remained unbeaten on 71 off 38 balls, featuring six fours and six towering sixes. It was his fifth T20I half-century — and arguably his most fluent — as he dismantled the South African bowling with elegant aggression.