Pakistan’s all-rounder Faheem Ashraf delivered a breathtaking bowling performance to set a new national record against South Africa, surpassing a milestone held by Saeed Ajmal for nearly 15 years.
Faheem Ashraf’s Historic Spell in Lahore
In the second T20 match played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Faheem Ashraf produced a remarkable spell, taking 4 wickets for just 23 runs. This performance is now the second-best bowling figure by any Pakistani bowler against South Africa in T20 internationals.
His brilliant display dismantled South Africa’s batting lineup, helping Pakistan register a dominant nine-wicket victory in the match and secure the series lead.
Breaking Saeed Ajmal’s 15-Year Record
Before Faheem’s heroics, the record for the best bowling figures by a Pakistani against South Africa belonged to Saeed Ajmal, who took 4 wickets for 26 runs during the 2010 ICC T20 World Cup in St. Lucia.
Faheem’s new figures of 4/23 now place him second overall, just behind Umar Gul, who remains at the top of the list for his legendary spell of 5 wickets for 6 runs in Centurion back in 2013.
Here’s how the top five Pakistani bowling performances against South Africa in T20Is now stand:
- Umar Gul – 5/6 (Centurion, 2013)
- Faheem Ashraf – 4/23 (Lahore, 2025)
- Saeed Ajmal – 4/26 (St. Lucia, 2010)
- Shaheen Afridi – 3/14 (Sydney, 2022)
- Salman Mirza – 3/14 (Lahore, 2025)
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Pakistan Dominates with All-Round Performance
Batting first after being invited by Pakistan, South Africa managed just 110 runs before being bowled out in the final over. The Proteas’ batting lineup crumbled under Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack.
Dewald Brevis top-scored with 25 runs, while skipper Donovan Ferreira made 15 and Corbin Bosch added 11. None of the other batters managed to cross double figures, with Pakistan’s bowlers maintaining full control throughout.
For Pakistan:
- Faheem Ashraf took 4 wickets for 23 runs.
- Salman Mirza impressed with 3 wickets for 14 runs.
- Naseem Shah chipped in with 2 wickets.
- Abrar Ahmed claimed 1 wicket.
Saem Ayub Shines in the Run Chase
In response, Pakistan’s batting lineup made light work of the 111-run target, chasing it down in the 14th over for the loss of just one wicket.
Saim Ayub starred with a brilliant 71 not out, guiding Pakistan to victory with confidence and flair. Sahibzada Farhan contributed 28 runs before being dismissed, while captain Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 11 runs.
For South Africa, Corbin Bosch was the only wicket-taker.
A Strong Statement from Pakistan
This commanding victory not only gave Pakistan a 2-0 lead in the series but also highlighted the team’s growing confidence under home conditions. Faheem Ashraf’s record-breaking spell served as a reminder of his value as a genuine match-winner, capable of turning games with both bat and ball.
Conclusion
Faheem Ashraf’s performance against South Africa will be remembered as one of his finest moments in green. By breaking Saeed Ajmal’s 15-year-old record, he has etched his name among Pakistan’s most successful T20 bowlers. With such form and determination, Pakistan’s future in limited-overs cricket looks bright and promising.
