Lizaad Williams turned up the heat by cleaning out Sahibzada Farhan in dramatic fashion, giving India the perfect moment of revenge, during the first T20I between Pakistan and South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Tuesday (October 28).
Charging at raw pace, Lizaad Williams delivered a lethal length ball which skidded and crashed into the outside and center stumps as Farhan attempted a flashy cut. The Pakistani batter, who had batted confidently with four boundaries in his 24 off 19 balls, was stunned as the stumps flew.
Lizaad Williams destroys Sahibzada Farhan’s stumps and channels LeBron James celebration
As the bails flew, Lizaad Williams celebrated fiercely, nailing LeBron James’ celebration. The South African fast bowler imitated American basketball player LeBron Raymone James’ iconic ‘The Silencer’ celebration right in front of Farhan in Rawalpindi.
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Williams thrust both arms down while raising one knee in a fiery manner before staging another LeBron James celebration – Crown Celebration – to celebrate Farhan’s wicket which eased the pressure on the South African side. The Proteas bowler mimed placing a crown on his head.
Now, the clip of Lizaad Williams’ celebration has gone viral on social media platforms, with many linking it to the 2025 Asia Cup incident, where Sahibzada Farhan controversially celebrated his fifty against India. Farhan had celebrated his fiftieth birthday with a ‘shot’ gesture on the faces of the Indian team and the crowd.
– crictalk (@crictalk7) October 29, 2025
Exhausted South Africa surprise Pakistan with all-round brilliance in Rawalpindi T2OI
Meanwhile, a second-tier South African side, missing seven key players due to rest and injuries, completed a stunning 55-run win over Pakistan to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20 series. The Proteas posted 194 for 9 after a spirited start, led by Reeza Hendricks’ 40-ball 60.
The first match gave his team momentum with 74 runs in the powerplay and a 44-run opening game between Hendricks and Quinton de Kock, who smashed 23 runs off just 13 balls. Debutant Tony de Zorzi impressed with a 16-ball 33 before Mohammad Nawaz disrupted the carnage with 3 for 26.
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George Linde blasted 36 of 22 balls and provided late fireworks. Pakistan’s chase never found any rhythm as South African pacer Corbin Bosch produced a dream spell of 4 for 14, while Linde backed him up with 3 for 31 as Pakistan were bowled out for 139 in 18.1 overs.
Opener Saim Ayub hit 37 off 28 with four sixes, and Nawaz added a quick 36 off 20. Babar Azam fell for a duck, while Lizaad Williams returned with two wickets in the first T20I on Tuesday.
Pakistan wears pink kits to raise awareness about breast cancer
In a touching gesture, the Pakistani players donned pink jerseys to raise awareness about breast cancer, while the South Africans sported pink ribbons.
With this victory, South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the ongoing three-match T20I series against Pakistan. The second and final T20I will be played on October 31 and November 1 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
