Pakistan Clinches Series Win Over South Africa in Rain-Affected Thriller
Pakistan Seal 36-Run Victory Over South Africa to Complete Series Whitewash
Pakistan defeated South Africa by 36 runs (DLS method) in the third ODI at the Wanderers, Johannesburg, handing South Africa their first bilateral ODI series whitewash at home. Saim Ayub, with a century and an all-round performance, and debutant wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem’s four-wicket haul were instrumental in the win.
Match Highlights:
- Pakistan posted 308 for 9 (adjusted to 308 in 47 overs) thanks to Ayub’s 101 and valuable contributions from Mohammad Rizwan (53) and Babar Azam (52).
- South Africa managed 271 all out in 42 overs, with Heinrich Klaasen top-scoring with 81 and debutant Corbin Bosch adding 40*.
- Muqeem’s impressive 4 for 52 further exposed South Africa’s struggles against spin.
Saim Ayub Shines Again
Saim Ayub continued his stellar form, smashing his second century of the series. He built strong partnerships:
- 114 runs for the second wicket with Babar Azam.
- 93 runs for the third wicket with Mohammad Rizwan.
Ayub’s aggressive stroke play and a flurry of boundaries in the middle overs set the stage for a competitive total. He reached his hundred off 91 balls before gloving a Bosch delivery to Heinrich Klaasen.
Pakistan’s Middle-Order Surge
After mini-collapses, Salman Agha (38) and Tayyab Tahir (32) added a quickfire 74 off 47 balls for the sixth wicket, propelling Pakistan beyond 300. Despite Rabada’s late strikes (3 for 56), South Africa’s bowlers struggled, especially debutant Kwena Maphaka, who conceded 61 runs in seven overs.
South Africa’s Batting Woes Continue
Chasing 308, South Africa faltered early as skipper Temba Bavuma (8) and Tony de Zorzi (18) fell cheaply. Rassie van der Dussen (35) and Aiden Markram (19) offered brief resistance but fell to poor shot selection.
Klaasen stood tall amid the collapse, smashing a 29-ball fifty and attacking Shaheen Afridi with four boundaries in an over. However, his dismissal at deep square leg sealed South Africa’s fate. Bosch’s gritty 40 at No. 8 provided a glimmer of hope, but the hosts fell short.
Pakistan’s Dominance and South Africa’s Struggles
This win marks Pakistan’s fifth consecutive bilateral series victory, having previously beaten New Zealand, Afghanistan, Australia, and Zimbabwe. South Africa, under white-ball coach Rob Walter, have now won only two of six series since February 2023.
Key Takeaways:
- Saim Ayub: 101 runs off 91 balls and 1 for 34 with the ball.
- Sufiyan Muqeem: 4 for 52 in his debut, exposing South Africa’s spin vulnerabilities.
- South Africa’s Concerns: Poor top-order performances and expensive seam bowling, with Kagiso Rabada (3 for 56) the only standout.
What’s Next for South Africa?
South Africa has much to ponder ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy, particularly their issues against spin and a misfiring batting lineup. Pakistan, on the other hand, look like strong contenders with their balanced team and winning momentum.
