Saim Ayub scored 77 runs to help Pakistan win against South Africa
🇵🇰 Ayub’s Authority Seals Series Win for Pakistan Against South Africa
Faisalabad, Pakistan – The flair and maturity of young opener Saim Ayub were on full display as his masterful knock of 77 runs from just 70 balls steered Pakistan to a commanding seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the decisive third One-Day International. The win, achieved with an astonishing 149 deliveries to spare, clinched the three-match series 2-1 for the hosts in front of an elated home crowd at the Iqbal Stadium.
A Spin Web and a Modest Target
The stage was set for a thrilling series decider, but it was the Pakistan bowlers, particularly the spinners, who dictated the first act. After South Africa won the toss and elected to bat, they appeared to be cruising, propelled by a solid 72-run opening stand between Quinton de Kock (53) and Lhuan-dre Pretorius (39). However, the introduction of spin brought about a dramatic collapse that saw the Proteas lose their last nine wickets for a mere 71 runs.
Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed was the chief architect of the rout, bamboozling the South African middle order with his variations to record a career-best figures of 4 for 27. He was ably supported by the economical spells of Salman Agha (2-18) and Mohammad Nawaz (2-31), who exploited the grip on the Faisalabad surface. South Africa were bundled out for a paltry 143 in 37.5 overs, a total that looked woefully inadequate for a series-deciding contest.
Ayub Anchors a Confident Chase
The chase started with a momentary wobble as the in-form Fakhar Zaman departed for a second successive duck. However, this early setback only served to steel the resolve of the young Saim Ayub. Walking out to face the new ball in a pressure-cooker situation, the left-hander showed remarkable composure, quickly settling any nerves in the Pakistani dressing room.
Ayub’s innings was a blend of aggression and elegance. He punished anything loose with precision, hitting 11 fours and a six in his brisk knock. Crucially, he anchored two vital partnerships that extinguished any flicker of South African hope. First, he combined with captain Babar Azam (27) for a solid 65-run stand for the second wicket, before adding another 65 runs alongside the ever-reliable Mohammad Rizwan (32 not out).
His stroke-play was fluent and his intent clear: to finish the chase quickly and assert Pakistan’s dominance. He displayed a mature head on young shoulders, rotating the strike effectively while ensuring the required run rate remained negligible. By the time he was eventually dismissed for a magnificent 77, Pakistan was on the cusp of victory.
A Statement Series Win
Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha saw the team home with ease, with the winning runs coming from a boundary in the 26th over. The seven-wicket triumph marked Pakistan’s first-ever ODI series victory against South Africa on home soil—a significant milestone for the burgeoning side.
The performance was a testament to the team’s depth and the emergence of bright young talents like Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed. Ayub’s match-winning innings not only secured the series but also cemented his status as a key pillar in Pakistan’s white-ball future. It was a complete team performance, but in the end, it was Saim Ayub’s bat that resonated the loudest, transforming a tense final into a celebratory cruise.
The win provides a massive morale boost for Pakistan as they continue their preparations for future international assignments, proving once again that their brand of fearless, youthful cricket is a force to be reckoned with.
