Fakhar, Faheem, Nawaz hand Pakistan T20I series

While both teams suffered collapses in the fourth and final T20I of the Pakistan-South Africa series, South Africa’s 145 target proved insufficient in the fourth T20I with Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Nawaz dragging a stumbling Pakistan to clinch a 3-1 series win.

🙌CHAMPIONS🙌#SAvPAK | #HarHaalMainCricket | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/GNTvTVNSDk

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 16, 2021

Pakistan pulled off back-to-back T20I series wins over South Africa, even though the team did not have their first-choice personnel at their disposal, and capped off their tour with a 3-1 win. Thanks to a strong bowling performance and despite a batting wobble, Pakistan made heavy work of chasing 145, and after coasting on 92 for 1 lost 6 for 37 to put South Africa on the brink of a series-levelling coup. Thanks to Fakhar’s much needed 60 off 34 balls and Nawaz’s sensible conclusion, scoring 25 and hitting a six to end the match.

Not the highest quality of cricket from either of the team, but all the nerves and all the errors added up and gave us a thriller to end this series. Pakistan has been the better team, as the 3-1 scoreline shows, but still needs to do plenty of work in different departments of the team.

Nonetheless, the tour has been hugely entertaining, and Pakistan has come out on top in both the ODI and T20I series. A big achievement from them, and some encouraging signs for South Africa as well.

For his brilliant spell, giving only 17 runs off 4 overs and 3 wickets, Ashraf was named the Player of the Match.

3⃣-1⃣7⃣
For his match-winning spell, @iFaheemAshraf is the player of the match!#SAvPAK | #HarHaalMainCricket | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/PfzvluYBrl

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 16, 2021

Babar Azam received Player of the series for his 210 runs, including his maiden T20I century.

Player of the Series: @babarazam258 👏#SAvPAK | #HarHaalMainCricket | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/1lpu4YE32x

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 16, 2021

Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Babar said: “We’ve really enjoyed this tour, despite the quarantine and everything. It would be even better if our fans were here, but unfortunately, that was not possible because of COVID-19, but we got a lot of support on social media.”

“Once the set batsmen got out, a bit of pressure came onto the middle order today. We’ll sit down and talk about it, and give the players confidence so they can make up for the mistakes they’ve made.”

Read more – Babar Azam dethrones Virat Kohli to become number one ODI batsman

The captain added: “When we left, we left with the idea that we had to win this series and give 110%, and that’s what we did. Fakhar performed brilliantly in the ODIs, the bowlers were outstanding overall. When players perform like that, results will follow.”

Talking about his performance, Azam said: “As for my performance, it was all about giving 100%, enjoying my cricket, and doing what the team needs.”

History made, Alhumdulillah. 🏆 🏏 🥇
Magic happens when you refuse to give up. Well played @iMRizwanPak @FakharZamanLive , @iFaheemAshraf and everyone involved. Proud of you, champions! #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/cnHTTn67gV

— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) April 16, 2021

Meanwhile, notable people also congratulated team Pakistan on securing the feat.

Congratulations to Team Pakistan especially Captain @babarazam258 on winning the ODI and T20 series against South Africa at their home

Proud of the way team fought in every match and came out on the winning side. Best of luck for the upcoming series & World Cup as well! #SAvsPAK

— Usman Buzdar (@UsmanAKBuzdar) April 16, 2021

After making the game unnecessarily interesting Pakistan win the T20 series 3-1 in South Africa. It is rare for us to win there so shabash and congratulations to team Pakistan. And special praise for Babar Azam. What a cricketer

— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) April 16, 2021

Congratulations Pakistan on the series win! Despite the victory we need to review the middle-order performances where we seem to be struggling for a long time. I think Shoaib Malik must be considered again, especially since it's a T20 World Cup year

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) April 16, 2021

Pakistan made it by a whisper. Very ordinary performance by the middle order. Nawaz made it possible. A memorable series indeed by winning both one day & T20 series. #SAvsPAK

— Shehryar Afridi (@ShehryarAfridi1) April 16, 2021

Big achievement winning ODI & T20 series in South Africa. Congratulations to @babarazam258 & the boys. #PAKvSA #Pakistan

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) April 16, 2021

Pakistan have been impressive throughout the ODI an T20 series, deserved winners.. lots to take away for the proteas.. a few question marks yes but definitely a few exclamation marks as well.. good fight shown till the end.. congrats Pakistan 🔥

— JP Duminy (@jpduminy21) April 16, 2021

Congratulations @babarazam258 & co @iFaheemAshraf 🇵🇰 @captainmisbahpk @YounusK75 @MuhammadWasim77 @waqyounis99 @FakharZamanLive @mnawaz94 @iMRizwanPak pic.twitter.com/CSeDFiogGS

— Rashid Latif | 🇵🇰 (@iRashidLatif68) April 16, 2021

Brilliant take by @iMRizwanPak and it’s been a really good spell of bowling by @iFaheemAshraf and @RealHa55an #SAvsPAK

— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) April 16, 2021

What a brilliant match of Cricket! Pakistan wins a thrilling match, the T20 series and everyone's hearts. Congratulations to the entire Pakistan team! What a series for @babarazam258, @FakharZamanLive and @iMRizwanPak who have been in sublime form throughout the series.#PakvsSA

— Fawad Alam (@iamfawadalam25) April 16, 2021