Pakistan prepare for high-stakes second T20 against South Africa in Lahore

LAHORE (Web Desk) – Pakistan will look to bounce back when they take on South Africa in the second T20 International of the three-match series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium tomorrow (Wednesday).

The match begins at 8:00pm under lights, with the home side seeking to level the series after losing the Rawalpindi opener by 55 runs.

South Africa, who lead 1–0, head into the Lahore clash high on confidence following a dominant all-round performance in the first T20I. Reeza Hendricks’ 60 off 41 balls and a fiery cameo from Bjorn Linde powered the Proteas to 194 for 9, while disciplined bowling from Ngidi and Bosch restricted Pakistan to 139.

Post-match moments from Rawalpindi after #PAKvSA 1st T20#GreenPeYaqeen | #PINKtober pic.twitter.com/AQykgCGSqp

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 28, 2025

Pakistan’s batting will be under the spotlight after a below-par showing in Rawalpindi. Despite promising starts from Saim Ayub (37) and Sahibzada Farhan (24), the middle order collapsed under pressure, leaving the side short of a competitive total.

Captain Salman Ali Agha and coach Gary Kirsten are expected to retain most of the playing XI but may consider tactical changes in the batting order. Babar Azam, dismissed for a duck in the first game, will be crucial to Pakistan’s hopes of a comeback, while the likes of Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz will aim to provide the late flourish that was missing in the opener.

Babar Azam equals Shahid Afridi's unwanted record for most ducks in T20Is

The bowling unit, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, will also look for early breakthroughs after struggling to contain South Africa’s top order. Lahore’s surface is expected to offer some early swing under lights, giving Pakistan’s pace attack a chance to make an impact.

The Proteas, meanwhile, have the upper hand and will aim to seal the series in Lahore before the final game. Their blend of young talent and experienced campaigners proved effective in Rawalpindi, with Hendricks anchoring the innings and Linde providing vital runs down the order.

South Africa’s bowling attack, led by Lungi Ngidi, Bosch, and Linde, will once again be key. The trio combined for six wickets in the opening match, consistently applying pressure on Pakistan’s batting lineup. Skipper Donovan Ferreira praised his side’s discipline and energy, saying the team is “focused on maintaining intensity” going into the Lahore contest.

South Africa dominate in Rawalpindi as Pakistan lose first T20I by 55 runs

With the series moving from Rawalpindi to Lahore, conditions at the Gaddafi Stadium are expected to favour batting, though dew could play a part in the second innings. The Pinktober awareness campaign will continue, ensuring a festive and socially conscious atmosphere.

Fans are expected to fill the stands once again as Pakistan look to level the series and keep their hopes alive heading into the final T20 on Saturday. For South Africa, a win in Lahore would mean a series victory and a strong statement of intent in subcontinental conditions.