JOHANNESBURG, Dec 23: In a morale-boosting performance ahead of the Champions Trophy, Pakistan achieved a historic feat by consigning South Africa to their first-ever clean sweep defeat in a home men’s ODI series.
The visitors sealed the landmark victory with a 36-run win via the DLS method in the third ODI at Johannesburg on Sunday.
Saim Ayub, continuing his spectacular rise in international cricket, played a pivotal role yet again, smashing his second century of the series with a brilliant 101. He also contributed with the ball, claiming 1/34, and worked in tandem with four other wicket-takers to secure the win.
Electing to bat first, Pakistan had a shaky start, losing Abdullah Shafique for a golden duck. However, Ayub and ICC’s top-ranked ODI batter, Babar Azam, steadied the innings with a commanding 115-run partnership.
Babar’s composed 52 laid a solid foundation for skipper Mohammad Rizwan, who accelerated the scoring with a 53-run knock off 52 balls. Rizwan and Ayub shared a resilient 93-run stand before Ayub was dismissed by Corbin Bosch. Late cameos from Salman Agha and Tayyab Tahir propelled Pakistan to a challenging total of 308/9.
In response, South Africa began briskly, reaching 24/0 in just three overs. However, Naseem Shah struck early, dismissing Temba Bavuma.
Despite rebuilding efforts by Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen, Sufiyan Muqeem’s stunning spell (4/52) dismantled the Proteas’ batting lineup. Muqeem accounted for key wickets, including the aggressive Marco Jansen, and returned to clean up the tail, bowling out South Africa in the 42nd over.
(UNI)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
