Pakistan scripted history in Faisalabad on Saturday, November 8, by clinching their maiden home ODI series victory against South Africa due to the outstanding performance of Saim Ayub. Moreover, the host dominated the Proteas to secure a seven-wicket win in the decisive third match under the leadership of the newly appointed ODI captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi. Hence, the team take the series 2-1.
Fans who were following Pak vs Sa live witnessed a clinical performance, as Pakistan chased down the modest total of South Africa of 143 runs with 149 balls to spare. Hence, it marks their largest victory margin (by balls remaining) over South Africa in ODI history.
Saim Ayub Leads the Charge With a Match-Winning Knock
Young opener Saim Ayub was the star of the night in South Africa vs Pakistan. However, he played a composed and aggressive innings of 77 off 70 balls with 11 fours and a six. Despite the early loss of Fakhar Zaman for a duck, the confident stroke of Saim steadied the inning and set the tone for the chase.
Saim built a strong partnership with Babar Azam of a 65-run stand that ensured the dominance of Pakistan from the start. However, Babar also supported him by scoring a fluent 27 runs. Moreover, Pakistan never lost the momentum after the unfortunate run-out of Babar by a sharp throw by Corbin Bosch caught him short of his crease.
Mohammad Rizwan (32* off 45) and Salman Agha (5*) calmly finished the job. So, the team sealed victory in just 25.1 overs. Hence, it delighted the team at home and abroad, including the UAE.
Abrar Ahmed’s Magical Spell Breaks South Africa’s Backbone
Before Saim’s heroic knock, Abrar Ahmed also destroyed the South African batting lineup with a mesmerising spell of 4 for 27 in 10 overs. However, it was introduced after a steady opening stand between Quinton de Kock (53) and Lhuan-dre Pretorius (39). Hence, he triggered a collapse that saw South Africa crumble from 87/2 to 143 all out.
Matthew Breetzke, Rubin Hermann, and Donovan Ferreira bowled the first three wickets of leg-spinners, including Matthew Breetzke, Rubin Hermann, and Donovan Ferreira. Moreover, Mohammad Nawaz (2/31), Agha Salman (2/18), and Shaheen Shah Afridi (2/18) supported Abrar to ensure South Africa never recovered,
Even Nandre Burger could not change the course of the match as Pakistan’s spinners dominated proceedings throughout, as he broke the opening partnership between Saim and Fakhar..
Captain Shaheen Afridi’s Perfect Start to ODI Leadership
The win became a dream debut for Shaheen Shah Afridi as Pakistan’s ODI captain. His leadership was calm and tactical, from choosing to bowl first on a fresh pitch to rotating his bowlers effectively during the middle overs.
Afridi’s field placements and use of spinners were spot-on. Hence, it allows his bowlers to capitalise on a turning track. Moreover, his 2-wickets and energy set the tone for what could be a promising chapter in the ODI future of Pakistan.
Series Summary and What’s Next
Pakistan sealed the three-match series 2-1 with this win. However, it has also sent a strong message ahead of their upcoming tour. Moreover, the next challenge for the Men In Green is a three-match ODI series from Tuesday.
On the other side, Quinton de Kock shines for South Africa as the Player of the Series. However, South Africa is going to stay in Asia for a two-Test series against India beginning Friday.
Brief Scores
South Africa: 143 all out (37.5 overs)
Top scorers – Quinton de Kock 53, Lhuan-dre Pretorius 39
Bowling – Abrar Ahmed 4/27, Mohammad Nawaz 2/31, Shaheen Afridi 2/18, Salman Agha 2/18
Pakistan: 144/3 (25.1 overs)
Top scorers – Saim Ayub 77, Mohammad Rizwan 32*, Babar Azam 27
Bowling – Nandre Burger 1/29, Bjorn Fortuin 1/34
Result: Pakistan won by 7 wickets — Series 2–1
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