Pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi led an inspired attack and Pakistan put up a splendid bowling show to restrict South Africa to 139-9 in the series-deciding third Twenty20 International at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Having bundled out South Africa for a paltry 110 in the second game of the series on Friday, Pakistan were at it again, picking up wickets at regular intervals to keep the visitors in check with Shaheen — who was rested a day earlier — leading the way.
Shaheen finished with 3-26 while debutant spinner Usman Tariq and fellow pacer Faheem Ashraf picking two wickets each. Pakistan’s batters will look to finish the job and give their side a much-needed series win to boost confidence ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Shaheen got Pakistan off to a flyer with two wickets halfway through the first over and almost bagged a third victim two balls later.
Opener Quinton de Kock’s stumps were undone on the second ball of the innings with a delivery that jagged back, found an edge and clattered into the woodwork. On the very next ball, Lhuan-dre Pretorious then spooned a catch to Usman Tariq at short fine-leg.
Pakistan were in dreamland when the umpire adjudged Dewald Brevis lbw on the first ball of a spectacular opening over only for the decision review system to show that the ball was going to rise over above the stumps.
