Johannesburg (Web Desk/Agencies): Pakistan secured a remarkable 36-run victory over South Africa in the final ODI at Wanderers Stadium on Sunday, clinching a historic 3-0 series sweep.
Batting first in a rain-affected encounter, Pakistan posted a challenging total of 308/9 in their allotted 47 overs.
Saim Ayub played a sensational knock, smashing 101 runs off 94 balls to lead the charge, with Babar Azam contributing a steady 52.
Despite early setbacks, including three ducks, the middle order found stability as Mohammad Rizwan (53) and Salman Ali Agha (48) added valuable runs, helping Pakistan recover from a few shaky moments.
The Proteas’ chase was never straightforward. They faltered early against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack, which was spearheaded by Sufiyan Muqeem, who bagged four wickets. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah also caused problems, taking two wickets each. Saim Ayub showed his all-round prowess, bowling a tight 10-over spell and conceding just 34 runs.
Heinrich Klaasen displayed a spark with a blistering 81 off 43 balls, but his efforts weren’t enough to get South Africa over the line. Corbin Bosch fought valiantly with a late 40, but the target proved too steep as South Africa fell short at 271.
Kagiso Rabada was the standout bowler for the hosts, claiming 3/56, but the rest of the South African attack couldn’t find the breakthrough consistently.
Despite the Proteas' resistance, Pakistan’s collective effort with bat and ball proved to be too much, and they triumphed with a clean sweep in a series that will be remembered for its dominance and resilience.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan(w/c), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Sufiyan Muqeem
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen(w), David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka
