Pakistan beat South Africa by six runs in second T20 international to level series at 1-1

Pakistan sealed a thrilling six-run victory to level the second and final Twenty20 international against South Africa at Newlands on Friday.

With the hosts needing 17 runs to win off the final over, chasing Pakistan's 176-4, fast bowler Sohail Tanveer kept them at bay to help the tourists snap a six-game losing streak against their opponents.

Mohammad Hafeez and Umar Akmal went on a six-hitting spree in a brilliant 102-run stand partnership as Pakistan piled up an impressive total in their innings.

Hafeez hit 63 off 41 balls with three sixes and Akmal hammered 64 off 38 deliveries with four sixes.

Pakistan captain Hafeez and Akmal put on 102 off just 57 balls for the third wicket as the South African bowlers were put to the sword.

The innings gained momentum when Wayne Parnell was no-balled and Hafeez slammed the free hit over the square leg fence for the first six.

Hafeez hit two successive straight sixes off left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso before Akmal followed suit in an over which cost 21 runs.

Three overs later Morne Morkel conceded 22 runs in an over during which Akmal hit 16 off three deliveries.

Hashim Amla made 48 opening South Africa's chase, but legspinner Shahid Afridi took 3-28, accounting for Quinton de Kock (26), Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers to leave the Proteas on 87-3.

After Amla was out just short of his half-century, JP Duminy (47 not out) and David Miller were held by good death bowling by Tanvir.

The side's will next take to the field on Sunday in the first of three one-day internationals.