David Miller struck a valiant 85 but it wasn’t enough as Pakistan got over the line with a four-wicket victory over the Proteas on Sunday, securing a 2-1 series win.
Having fought their way back into the T20I series with a win on Saturday, the visitors were asked to bat first in Lahore.
Mohammad Nawaz struck early when he trapped Reeza Hendricks in front for only two. Jon Jon Smuts could only manage one before he became Nawaz’s second wicket.
It went from bad to worse for the Proteas, who lost Pite van Biljon (16), Janneman Malan (27), Heinrich Klaasen (0) and Andile Phehlukwayo (0) fairly cheaply.
Reeling on 48-6 Miller came to the show and took the attack to the Pakistan bowlers with a couple of big blows.
He particularly excelled towards the end of the innings, bringing up his half-century before hitting 24 off the final over as the Proteas posted a competitive 164-8 in their 20 overs.
Haider Ali and Mohammad Rizwan made a strong start with the bat but Tabraiz Shamsi made the breakthrough, dismissing Ali for 15.
The spinner then sent Rizwan packing for 42 before clean bowling Hussain Talat for only five. Dwaine Pretorius knocked over Babar Azam for 44 before Shamsi claimed his fourth wicket when Asif Ali was caught by Miller for seven.
The Proteas looked in control of proceedings as Pakistan fell to 117-5. Bjorn Fortuin then also got in on the act with the wicket of Faheem Ashraf.
Poor bowling, however, by the Proteas towards the end handed Pakistan a lifeline with Nawaz and Hasan Ali capitalising on the opportunity.
Andile Phehlukwayo delivered a poor effort in the penultimate over where Pakistan crashed 21 runs to win the match with eight balls remaining.
