Umar Akmal congratulates Pakistan for beating invisible 3rd team in a bilateral series

Former Pakistan batter 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 mistakenly congratulated the Pakistan national cricket team for winning a “tri-series” instead of a bilateral series against South Africa.

Pakistan sealed a 2-1 T20I series win against South Africa after winning the deciding match at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, November 1. The hosts chased down a 140-run target with six wickets in hand and an over remaining. Babar Azam scored a half-century that guided Pakistan to a series-clinching victory.

Umar Akmal Trolled by Fans Following Pakistan’s Series Victory

Umar Akmal celebrated Pakistan's 2-1 T20I series win over South Africa with a post on social media. He lauded Babar Azam for his half-century in the must-win game.

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However, Umar Akmal mistakenly mentioned a “tri-series final” instead of a bilateral three-match contest. This drew humorous replies questioning the “third team” and triggered viral memes. Umar Akmal's post gained over 148k views and 2,469 likes.

On X (formerly known as Twitter), users corrected him by pointing out it was a “three-match series,” while others turned it into memes, including the popular “Ye kab hua?” image.

"Heartiest congratulations to @TheRealPCB on winning the tri series final! Babar Azam's knock was phenomenal Bringing his A-game when it matters most! #BabarAzam #Aghasalman," Akmal wrote.

Heartiest congratulations to @TheRealPCB on winning the tri series final! Babar Azam's knock was phenomenal Bringing his A-game when it matters most! #BabarAzam #Aghasalman

— Umar Akmal (@Umar96Akmal) November 1, 2025

Pakistan’s Series-Clinching Win Over South Africa Draws Praise From Former Players

Pakistan’s series-clinching win over South Africa drew praise from several former players. Mohammad Hafeez congratulated the side on X and appreciated the performances of Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Salman Mirza.

“Congratulations team Pakistan for winning the home T20 series vs South Africa. Shaheen & Salman Mirza set up the game with the new ball. Good to see Babar Azam play an impactful innings. Well done Pakistan,” Hafeez said.

Interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood also commended the team’s collective performance. He noted that Afridi and Mirza set the tone with the new ball.

“Great series win for Pakistan against South Africa! Fantastic to see Babar Azam back in form, he looked in complete control throughout his 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 effort,” Azhar said.

Pakistan Overcomes Early Setback After Saim Ayub’s Early Dismissal

Pakistan got off to a shaky start with Saim Ayub departing for a six-ball duck, but Babar Azam and Sahibzada Farhan steadied things with a 36-run partnership. Farhan, who scored 19 off 18 balls, perished 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 supported him with 33 from 26 deliveries. Pakistan later slipped to 133 for six, but Faheem Ashraf and Usman Khan guided the team home comfortably.

Earlier, Agha won the toss and opted 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 next face each other in a three-match ODI series in Faisalabad from November 4 to 8.

Also read: KL Rahul becomes KKR captain for IPL 2026