3rd ODI
Saim Ayub’s century and Sufiyan Muqeem’s four-wicket haul has secured a historic series whitewash for Pakistan
Pakistan scored 308/9, where as South Africa scored 271 all out in 42 overs.
So, finally Pakistan beat South Africa by 36 runs (DLS).
Saim Ayub’s second century in three games helped Pakistan secure a historic 3-0 series victory, making them the first team to whitewash South Africa in an ODI bilateral series on South African soil.
In the rain-affected third and final ODI, reduced to 47 overs per side, Pakistan posted a total of 308/9, thanks to Ayub’s century and a strong batting performance.
Pakistan’s bowlers, led by timely strikes and debutant Sufiyan Muqeem’s four-wicket haul, then restricted South Africa to 103 all out, sealing a dominant victory.
After a delayed toss due to bad weather, Pakistan were put to bat in pace-friendly conditions and lost opener Abdullah Shafique for a duck, marking his third consecutive duck in the series.
However, Ayub and Babar Azam added 114 runs for the second wicket, holding off South Africa’s bowlers for 22 overs, including a 75-minute rain delay.
Babar’s half-century came off 64 balls but was dismissed while attempting a second pull shot off Kwena Maphaka.
Mohammad Rizwan, who came in next, reached his fifty off 48 balls, increasing Pakistan’s momentum and adding 93 runs with Ayub.
Ayub reached his third career century with a cut shot off Aiden Markram but was dismissed in the next over by debutant Corbin Bosch, who took his maiden international wicket.
South Africa then struck back with two quick wickets, removing Kamran Ghulam and Rizwan, but the recovery came from Salman Agha and Tayyab Tahir, whose 74-run partnership kept Pakistan’s score ticking.
Despite South Africa’s experienced bowlers Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada picking up five wickets between them, Maphaka and Bosch’s inexperience allowed Pakistan to reach a total above 300.
In reply, South Africa’s chase faltered early with both openers dismissed within the first seven overs.
Temba Bavuma was caught by Naseem Shah, and Tony de Zorzi was caught and bowled by Shaheen Afridi.
Muqeem then made an immediate impact, removing Aiden Markram with his first ball in ODI cricket.
South Africa briefly recovered with a 40-run partnership between Rassie van der Dussen and Heinrich Klaasen, but both were dismissed soon after.
Klaasen launched a counterattack, scoring a 29-ball fifty and hitting Afridi for four boundaries in a row.
However, Afridi bounced back with a short ball that removed Klaasen.
Despite Bosch’s resistance, South Africa couldn’t sustain the pressure.
Bosch was left stranded as Muqeem claimed three wickets in the final four, including two off consecutive balls to seal a 211-run win for Pakistan.
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