Saim Ayub’s century takes Pakistan to ODI series sweep in South Africa

South Africa had their target reduced by one run to 308 via Duckworth–Lewis–Stern method

By Reuters
December 23, 2024
Pakistan´s Saim Ayub celebrates after scoring a century (100 runs) during the third one day international (ODI) cricket match batween South Africa and Pakistan at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on December 22, 2024.— AFP
Pakistan´s Saim Ayub celebrates after scoring a century (100 runs) during the third one day international (ODI) cricket match batween South Africa and Pakistan at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on December 22, 2024.— AFP

JOHANNESBURG: Saim Ayub scored 101 from 94 balls as a dominant Pakistan completed a clean sweep of their One-Day International series in South Africa with victory by 36 runs in the third and final clash at The Wanderers on Sunday.

South Africa asked the tourists to bat in a game reduced to 47 overs per side due to rain and Pakistan amassed 308 for nine, boosted by Saim’s second century of the series and his third in nine ODIs.

Babar Azam (52 from 71 balls), captain Mohammad Rizwan (53 from 52) and Salman Agha (48 from 33) all provided useful contributions in support of Saim as Pakistan took advantage of a largely inexperienced home bowling attack. South Africa had their target reduced by one run to 308 via the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern method but lost wickets at regular intervals, though series top scorer Heinrich Klaasen kept them in the game with 81 from 43 balls.