Pakistan secured a comprehensive 3-0 victory in the One Day International series against South Africa, emerging triumphant in the third match by a margin of 36 runs as per the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method on Sunday.
At the Wanderers, opener Saim Ayub displayed exceptional form, crafting a noteworthy innings of 101 runs off 94 deliveries to propel Pakistan to a total of 308 for the loss of 9 wickets in the encounter that was reduced to 47 overs due to inclement weather. In pursuit of the challenging target of 308, South Africa faltered and was dismissed for 271 runs in 42 overs.
Facing adversity early on after losing the toss and being reduced to 1-1 with the departure of Abdullah Shafique in the opening over, Pakistan rallied thanks to Ayub’s impactful partnerships. Notably, Ayub combined for a pivotal 114-run stand for the second wicket alongside Babar Azam, who contributed 52 runs from 71 deliveries, followed by a crucial 93-run partnership for the third wicket with captain Mohammad Rizwan, who scored 53 runs off 52 balls.
The 22-year-old Ayub, who had previously notched a century in the first ODI, was eventually dismissed after a commendable innings, caught behind off the bowling of debutant Corbin Bosch. Ayub’s innings featured a blend of finesse and power, as evidenced by his two sixes and 13 boundaries. Middle-order batsman Salman Agha further bolstered Pakistan’s score with a brisk 48 runs off 33 balls.
South African paceman Kagiso Rabada made significant inroads into Pakistan’s batting lineup, finishing with figures of 3-56.
In response, Heinrich Klaasen emerged as the standout performer for the hosts, accumulating 81 runs off just 43 deliveries, while Bosch remained unbeaten on 40 runs. Pakistan’s spinner Sufiyan Muqeem made a notable impact with the ball, claiming 4 wickets for 52 runs in his allotted eight overs.
With victories in the opening ODI by three wickets and the second encounter by 81 runs, Pakistan had already clinched the ODI series prior to the third match. Conversely, South Africa had asserted its dominance in the three-match Twenty20 series, claiming a 2-0 win. The focus now shifts to the upcoming Test series, with the first match set to commence on Thursday at Centurion.
Pakistan’s impressive streak of securing its fifth consecutive bilateral ODI series triumph positions the team favorably as it prepares to host the prestigious Champions Trophy scheduled for February.
