Salman Agha has been batting with Babar Azam since their Under-16 days, so it's not surprising that, now in their 30s, they are attuned to each other's rhythm. It was in evidence during Pakistan 's T20I series decider against South Africa on Saturday when, joining hands at a tricky phase in the chase, they went about the task at hand.

"Babar and I have known each other for a long time," Agha said. "When you know someone so well, it feels easier batting together. We're experienced enough to know the asking rate wasn't extremely high."

Perhaps there never was a time when Pakistan were not in control of the chase, but when the wicket fell to bring their captain to the crease alongside Babar, the perch from which they dominated the game had begun to wobble. Pakistan were scoring at

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