Pakistan made history by completing a 3-0 whitewash against South Africa in the third and final one-day international (ODI) at Wanderers Stadium, Sandton, on Sunday. The thrilling clash saw Pakistan triumph by 36 runs, solidifying their dominance in the series.
South Africa, set a challenging target of 309 runs in 47 overs, fell short and were bowled out for 271 runs. Pakistan’s left-arm leg spinner, Sufiyan Muqeem, stole the spotlight with an exceptional performance, claiming four wickets. Fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah added to the pressure by taking two wickets each. Saim Ayub also made an impact with the ball, conceding just 34 runs in his 10 overs while picking up a crucial wicket.
Heinrich Klaasen provided some resistance for South Africa. The wicket-keeper batter smashed an impressive 81 runs off 43 balls, but his efforts were in vain. Debutant Corbin Bosch added a late spark with a solid 40 runs, but it wasn’t enough to save the Proteas from the clean sweep.
Earlier, Pakistan’s opening batter, Saim Ayub, delivered a masterful century, guiding his team to 308/9 in a rain-affected match reduced to 47 overs per side. Ayub’s brilliant 101 off 94 balls included 13 boundaries and two sixes, earning him the Player of the Series award for his two centuries across the three-match series.
The match faced interruptions due to rain, creating additional challenges for both teams. Batting first, Pakistan overcame early struggles thanks to a vital 114-run stand between Babar Azam and Saim Ayub for the second wicket. Babar contributed a composed 52 off 71 deliveries, striking seven boundaries before being dismissed by Lutho Maphaka in the 23rd over.
Saim Ayub carried on, showcasing his class with a commanding century. His dismissal at 208/3 in the 35th over triggered a minor collapse. Kamran Ghulam departed for a golden duck in the following over. Despite these setbacks, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha kept the scoreboard ticking. Rizwan scored a steady 53 off 52 balls, notching his 15th ODI half-century. Agha played an aggressive knock, smashing 48 runs off just 32 deliveries, featuring three boundaries and two sixes.
The final over saw Naseem Shah contribute a boundary on his first ball, helping Pakistan close their innings at 308/9 in 47 overs.
South Africa’s bowling attack was led by Kagiso Rabada, who picked up 3/56 in his 10 overs. Bjorn Fortuin and Marco Jansen supported with two wickets each, while Lutho Maphaka and Corbin Bosch claimed one wicket apiece.
This remarkable series win was a testament to Pakistan’s all-round performance. Their young talent and experienced players stepped up to create a memorable victory in the Pakistan vs South Africa rivalry.
Playing XIs:
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (w/c), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Sufiyan Muqeem
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (w), David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka
