Former Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal has been trolled by fans following the Salman Ali Agha-led team’s victory over South Africa in the third and final T20I in Lahore. Akmal wrongly congratulated the Pakistan national cricket team for winning a “tri-series” instead of a bilateral series against South Africa.
Pakistan sealed a 2-1 victory in the T20I series against South Africa after winning the decisive match at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, November 1. The hosts were chasing a target of 140 runs with six wickets in hand and one to spare. Babar Azam scored a half-century that led Pakistan to a decisive victory.
Umar Akmal mobbed by fans after Pakistan series win
Umar Akmal celebrated Pakistan’s 2-1 T20I series win over South Africa with a post on social media. He praised Babar Azam for his half-century in the must-win game.
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However, Umar Akmal wrongly called a “tri-series final” instead of a three-match bilateral match. This generated humorous responses questioning the ‘third team’ and led to viral memes. Umar Akmal’s post received over 148,000 views and 2,469 likes.
On image.
“Warmest congratulations to @TheRealPCB for winning the tri-series final! Babar Azam’s knock was phenomenal. He brought his A-game when it mattered most! #BabarAzam #Aghasalman,” Akmal wrote.
Congratulations @TheRealPCB about winning the tri-series final! Babar Azam’s punch was phenomenal. He brought his A-game when it mattered most! #Babar Azam #Aghasalman
— Umar Akmal (@Umar96Akmal) November 1, 2025
Pakistan’s decisive victory over South Africa has drawn praise from former players
Pakistan’s victory over South Africa received praise from several former players. Mohammad Hafeez congratulated the team on X and appreciated the performances of Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Salman Mirza.
“Congratulations to team Pakistan for winning the home T20 series against South Africa. Shaheen and Salman Mirza set up the game with the new ball. Good to see Babar Azam playing an impactful innings. Well done Pakistan,” Hafeez said.
Interim red ball head coach Azhar Mahmood also praised the team’s collective performance. He noted that Afridi and Mirza set the tone with the new ball.
“Great win for Pakistan against South Africa! Great to see Babar Azam back in form. He was in complete control throughout the innings and played a classy knock. Shaheen Afridi and Mirza set the tone beautifully with the ball. Well led by Salman Ali Agha and a solid team performance,” Azhar said.
Pakistan overcomes early setback after Saim Ayub’s untimely dismissal
Pakistan got off to a shaky start when Saim Ayub departed for a six-ball duck, but Babar Azam and Sahibzada Farhan steadied matters with a 36-run partnership. Farhan, who scored 19 off 18 balls, was killed in the seventh over.
Babar and captain Salman Ali Agha added a 76-run stand for the third wicket. The former skipper scored 68 off 47 balls while Agha backed him with 33 off 26 deliveries. Pakistan later slumped to 133 for six but Faheem Ashraf and Usman Khan guided the team home comfortably.
Earlier, Agha won the toss and elected to bowl first, with Pakistan restricting South Africa to 139 for nine. Shaheen Afridi and Salman Mirza set the tone with an impressive new ball spell. The two teams will face each other in a three-match ODI series in Faisalabad from November 4 to 8.
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