Cape Town (Web Desk): South Africa cruised to a dominant 10-wicket victory over Pakistan, completing a 2-0 series sweep in Cape Town on Monday.
After dismissing Pakistan for 478 in their second innings, the Proteas required just 58 runs to seal the win, which they reached with ease in just 7.1 overs.
David Bedingham was the star of the chase, blasting 44 runs off 30 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. Aiden Markram provided solid support with a quick-fire 14 from 13 deliveries as the home side wrapped up the match without losing a wicket.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s resistance was broken down by South Africa’s bowlers, who maintained control throughout the innings.
Starting the day at 235/2, Pakistan’s hopes of staging a recovery were soon dashed as Marco Jansen removed Khurram Shahzad for 18. Kamran Ghulam then fell for 28 to Kagiso Rabada, leaving Pakistan at 278/3.
Saud Shakeel and Shan Masood tried to rebuild with a 51-run partnership, but Shakeel’s departure for 23, courtesy of a sharp delivery from Rabada, tilted the balance further in South Africa’s favor.
Masood, who had fought valiantly for his 145, was dismissed by Kwena Maphaka for a crucial LBW, and Pakistan were reduced to 329/5.
While Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan added 88 runs together, the former's departure for 48 and Rizwan's exit for 41 sparked a collapse.
The tail managed to add another 37 runs, but with Aamer Jamal falling to Keshav Maharaj and Mir Hamza the final wicket, Pakistan’s innings ended at 478 in 122.1 overs.
Rabada and Maharaj were the chief destroyers for South Africa, both picking up three wickets. Jansen and Maphaka supported with two and one wickets, respectively.
Masood’s resolute century and Babar Azam’s 81 on Day 3 were the few bright spots for Pakistan in an otherwise disappointing outing.
In the end, South Africa’s clinical performance with both bat and ball left Pakistan with little chance.
The chase was over in no time, and with the victory, South Africa claimed the series without breaking a sweat, ensuring a comfortable 2-0 whitewash.
Teams
Pakistan: Shan Masood (captain), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza.
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka