Pakistan won by 7 wickets against South Africa
| Player Name | Status | Runs (R) | Balls (B) |
| Fakhar Zaman | out | 0 | 5 |
| Saim Ayub | out | 77 | 70 |
| Babar Azam | out | 21 | 23 |
| Mohammad Rizwan | Not Out | 32 | 45 |
| Salman Agha | Not Out | 10 | 12 |
| Hussain Talat | Did not bat | – | – |
| Mohammad Nawaz | Did not bat | – | – |
| Faheem Ashraf | Did not bat | – | – |
| Shaheen Afridi (c) | Did not bat | – | – |
| Abrar Ahmed | Did not bat | – | – |
| Haris Rauf | Did not bat | – | – |
Faisalabad, Pakistan – Pakistan clinched a hard-fought One-Day International series against South Africa today, securing a commanding seven-wicket victory in the third and final ODI. The match, which served as the decisive fixture of a riveting series, saw the home side execute a clinical performance led by a devastating spell of spin bowling and an aggressive chase powered by young opener Saim Ayub.
The tone for the Green Shirts’ dominance was set early after South Africa elected to bat first on a slow, turning pitch at the Iqbal Stadium. While the Proteas’ openers, Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, managed a solid 72-run partnership, their resistance was shattered by a remarkable middle-overs collapse. This capitulation was engineered primarily by the masterful leg-spin of Abrar Ahmed, who recorded career-best figures of 4 for 27.
😵 South Africa Collapses Under Spin Threat
Abrar’s entry into the attack proved to be the turning point. Operating with exceptional control and variety, he quickly dismantled the South African middle order. The visitors lost their last eight wickets for a mere 37 runs, sinking from a promising position to a disappointing all-out total of just 143 in the 38th over. Pace bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Wasim Jr, along with the off-spin of Mohammad Nawaz, provided excellent support, ensuring the Proteas never recovered from Abrar’s consistent body blows.
💥 Saim Ayub Takes Charge in the Chase
The target of 144 was modest, but chasing on a tricky surface always carries an element of danger. However, the Pakistani response was assertive and virtually flawless. Opener Saim Ayub took the responsibility, delivering an innings of sheer aggression and class.
Ayub dominated the South African bowling attack, unfurling a series of glorious boundaries and taking the pressure off his partners. His knock, which included a splendid half-century, laid the perfect foundation, neutralizing any threat the Proteas’ bowlers might have posed. He put on crucial partnerships, first with the in-form Mohammad Rizwan, and later with the captain Salman Ali Agha, ensuring the required run rate remained comfortably in check.
🏆 Pakistan Cruises to Victory and Series Win
Despite a brief stutter, the partnership between Ayub and Rizwan was instrumental in taking the team to the brink of victory. Captain Salman Ali Agha played a composed hand to see his side home, smashing a boundary to seal the win in just the 26th over. Pakistan reached 147 for 3, winning by seven wickets with almost half their overs remaining.
This victory not only handed Pakistan a well-deserved series triumph (2-1) but also showcased the depth of their bowling attack and the emerging talent in their batting line-up, signaling a strong statement of intent for future limited-overs contests.
Key Performances
- South Africa’s Innings: The Proteas suffered a dramatic batting collapse, being bowled out for a low total of 143.
- Pakistan Bowling: Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed was the star with the ball, dismantling the South African middle order with exceptional figures of 4 wickets for 27 runs.
- Pakistan Batting: Young opener Saim Ayub led the chase with a brilliant, aggressive half-century, ensuring the target was reached quickly and comfortably.
Pakistan’s commanding chase meant they won the match with 24.5 overs to spare, confirming their victory and clinching the ODI series.
