Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed Shine as Pakistan Crush South Africa to Seal ODI Series
FAISALABAD: Pakistan wrapped up the ODI series in dominant fashion as opener Saim Ayub’s explosive fifty and Abrar Ahmed’s superb four-wicket spell powered the hosts to a convincing win over South Africa in the third and final match at the Iqbal Stadium on Saturday.
Chasing a modest target of 144, Pakistan cruised home with ease, reaching the mark in just 26 overs and with seven wickets in hand.
The hosts had a shaky start when Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for a two-ball duck by Nandre Burger in the opening over. However, Babar Azam and Saim Ayub steadied the innings, adding 65 quick runs for the second wicket. Babar’s fluent knock of 27 from 32 balls, decorated with five boundaries, came to an end through an unfortunate run-out in the 11th over.
Saim then forged another 65-run stand with Mohammad Rizwan, effectively sealing the chase. His brilliant innings of 77 off 70 balls included 11 fours and a six before Bjorn Fortuin dismissed him when only 14 runs were needed. Rizwan remained unbeaten on 32 off 45, striking three boundaries and a six, while Salman Ali Agha finished the match with five not out from two deliveries.
Earlier, South Africa’s decision to bat first backfired as they were skittled for 143 in 37.5 overs, despite a fighting half-century from Quinton de Kock. The Proteas openers, de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, gave their side a solid start with a 72-run partnership before Pretorius (39 off 45, four fours, one six) was removed by Salman Ali Agha.
De Kock held one end together, adding brief stands with Tony de Zorzi (2) and skipper Matthew Breetzke, but his dismissal to Mohammad Nawaz for 53 off 70 balls—featuring six fours and a six—sparked a complete batting collapse.
From 106 for 2, South Africa crumbled, losing their last eight wickets for just 37 runs against Pakistan’s spin-heavy attack. Only Breetzke and Nqabayomzi Peter, both scoring 16, managed double figures beyond the openers.
Abrar Ahmed was once again outstanding with the ball, claiming 4 for 27 in his 10 overs, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz, and Salman Ali Agha chipped in with two wickets apiece.
The emphatic victory not only sealed the series 2-1 for Pakistan but also marked a perfect start to Shaheen Shah Afridi’s ODI captaincy on home soil.
