South Africa Pakistan T 20 International Series 
4th Match Played At Centurion Park 

Pakistan 149/7 (Fakhar Zaman 60, Mohammad Newaz 25, Babar Azam 24, Sisanda Magala 2/33, Lizard Williams 2/39)
South Africa 144 All Out in 19.3 Overs (Rassie van der Dussen 52, Janneman Malan 33, Fahim Ashraf 3/17, Hasan Ali 3/49, Haris Rauf 2/18) 

Pakistan won by 3 wickets 
Pakistan Won The Series 3-1 
Player of The Match: Fahim Ashraf 

Depleted South Africa stretching Pakistan to its limit almost won the fourth T20 match even after getting bundled out for paltry 144. Pakistan in the chase appeared cruising at 2/92. But never say die spirited protean grabbing 5 quick wickets for 37 runs almost turned the table upon Pakistan. Fortunately for them Mohammad Newaz striking an over boundary on the penultimate ball of the match caused a lucky escape for Pakistan. Pakistan scoring 149/7 in 19.5 Overs won the match by 3 wickets. Pakistan won the four matches T20 series 3-1. Earlier Pakistan won the test series 2-0 and ODI series 2-1. It was a dream tour of South Africa for Pakistan. Never before any team from South Asia had such a success in South Africa. Critics may Pakistan played a second-string South Africa team in T20 series as at least 10 of the main team players were released for playing in IPL. But from the way the fringe players played we can assure the cricket world that at least 4-5 players would soon feature in the team that will appear in ICC T20 world cup 2021.

South Africa released 10 of the first team players before the commencement of T20 series. The fringe players gave a good account of them in the first and the second match. The first match was evenly contested which Pakistan won narrowly. South Africa blew way Pakistan in the second match. A world class performance by Babar Azam in the third match led Pakistan win easy. The four matches T20 series promised mouth-watering contest.

South Africa batting first was doing all right till the 13th over at 3/109. Rassie van der Dussen was ably piloting the innings. But once Haris Rauf took his wicket for 52 a dramatic collapse triggered.  South Africa lost 7 wickets for 32 runs getting wrapped up for 144.  Fahim Ashraf took 3/15, Hasan Ali 3/40 and Haris Rauf 2/18. Pakistan attack, which was caned by South Africa in the third match came good.

It appeared a cake walk match when Fakhar Zaman (60 in 34 balls) and Babar Azam ( 24 ) were batting in the 2nd wicket partnership of 91 chasing a below par target of 145. But once both got dismissed Pakistan middle order cracked against never say die strategy of South Africa. 6 wickets fell for 37 runs reducing Pakistan to 129/7. The prospect of a South Africa win loomed. Finally in grueling tension Newaz struck a hefty blow on the penultimate ball of the match. The match and the series were won by Pakistan 3-1. The dream tour of Pakistan in the protean land ended winning Test, ODI and T20 series. 

The three formats Pakistan South Africa served world of good for both the teams. Pakistan could assess its true potential. Multi dimensional bowling attack definitely proved its world class potential. Top order batting proved world class. Babar Azam reestablished his position among the best of the best. Fakhar Zaman appeared as a fearsome white ball blaster. But middle order batting looked ordinary. The most satisfying was that the fielding improved a lot. South Africa could assess its strength and weakness. The T20 series gave them great options to consider. At least three players including George Linde looked future potential. The depth of talent may drive the future of protean cricket. 

BUT THE BOTTOM LINE IS PAKISTAN ACHIEVING THE GREAT SUCCESS OF WINNING TEST, ODI AND T20 INTERNATIONAL SERIES AGAINST HIGHER RANKED SOUTH AFRICA ON TOUR. 

BDST: 1130 HRS, APR 17, 2021
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