South Africa levelled the three match T20 series against Pakistan at one game apiece on Saturday.
The Proteas won the second match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore comfortably by six wickets.
The Proteas won the toss and for the second time in this series they opted to invite the hosts to bat first at the Gaddaffi Stadium.
This time, however, South Africa’s bowlers were up to the task taking a clump of early wickets, including Pakistan captain Babar Azam for five, to reduce the home-side to 48 for three in the seventh over.
Centurion in the opening match and the mainstay of their innings Mohammad Rizwan led Pakistan’s resurgence.
He shared in a 45-run fourth wicket stand with Iftikhar Ahmed, going on to notch up another half century to become the only Pakistani opener to score three consecutive half centuries in T20 cricket.
He departed soon after the milestone, becoming Dwaine Pretorious‘ third scalp of the innings.
Pakistan never really regained their momentum in the dying overs as Pretorious recorded his maiden five wicket haul in T20 cricket.
His figures of five for 17 – a career best for him – are also the best figures by a South African bowler in the shortest format of the game.
Pakistan was eventually restricted to 144 for seven in their 20 overs.
Fastbowler Shaeen Afridi ensured that South Africa made a shaky start to their chase.
He bowled out opener Janneman Malan for four with only his second delivery before dismissing Jon–Jon Smuts for seven in his next over reducing the Proteas to 21 for two.
Reeza Hendricks and Pite van Biljoen were forced to regroup for the visitors.
The pair steered their side out of danger with a 77-run third wicket partnership, and at the half way stage the Proteas were coasting on 92 for the loss of two wickets still needing 53 runs to win.
With the platform set, it was easy going for the visitors.
David Miller and captain Heinrich Klaasen eventually guided South Africa to a series-levelling victory, by six wickets with 22 deliveries to spare.
The final match of the series is at the same venue on Sunday afternoon.
