Pakistan clinch ODI series with dominant seven-wicket win

FAISALABAD: Pakistan wrapped up the three-match ODI series in emphatic fashion, defeating South Africa by seven wickets in the third and final encounter at a full-to-capacity Iqbal Stadium.

The hosts chased down a modest target of 144 runs in just 25.1 overs, sealing the series 2–1 and capping off a successful home campaign.

Earlier in the day, South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first. The decision initially seemed justified as openers Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Quinton de Kock stitched together a solid 72-run stand, with Pretorius scoring a brisk 39 off 45 balls and de Kock anchoring the innings with a composed 53 off 70 balls. However, once Abrar Ahmed broke the partnership in the 15th over, the innings unraveled rapidly.

From a promising 72 for no loss, South Africa collapsed to 143 all out in 37.5 overs, losing all ten wickets for just 71 runs. The middle and lower order offered little resistance, with Tony de Zorzi (2), Rubin Hermann (1), Donovan Ferreira (7), Corbin Bosch (0), Bjorn Fortuin (3), and Lungi Ngidi (0) all falling cheaply. Captain Matthew Breetzke managed 16, while Nqabayomzi Peter added a gritty 16 down the order.

Pakistan’s bowlers were relentless. Abrar Ahmed, returning to the XI, was the standout performer with 4 for 27, using flight and turn to great effect. Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early and late, finishing with 2 for 18, while Mohammad Nawaz claimed 2 for 31. Salman Ali Agha chipped in with 2 wickets. The innings featured two successful reviews—one each by South Africa and Pakistan—and highlighted the Proteas’ struggles in the second powerplay, where they lost all ten wickets for just 96 runs.

With a modest target of 144 runs, Pakistan approached the chase with confidence and clarity. However, the innings began with a jolt as Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for a duck in the second ball of the innings, caught behind off Nandre Burger. The early wicket brought Saim Ayub to the crease, and the young left-hander responded with a fluent and authoritative innings.

Ayub registered his second half-century of the series and third of career, scoring 77 off 70 balls, laced with 11 fours and a six. He formed two crucial 65-run partnerships—first with Babar Azam, and then with Mohammad Rizwan—that ensured Pakistan remained in control throughout the chase.

Babar Azam, who scored 27 off 32 balls, reached a personal milestone during the innings, completing 15,000 runs in international cricket. His dismissal at 65 in the 11th over did little to dent Pakistan’s momentum, as Rizwan and Ayub continued to rotate strike and find boundaries with ease.

Ayub’s dismissal at 130 in the 24th over brought Salman Ali Agha to the crease, who finished the match in style with a boundary off his second ball. Mohammad Rizwan, unbeaten on 32 off 45 balls, anchored the final phase of the chase with calm assurance, striking three fours and a six.

Pakistan’s innings featured a successful review by South Africa in the third over, challenging an LBW decision against Ayub, which was struck down on umpire’s call. The hosts reached 50 in just 7.5 overs, and crossed 100 in 17.5 overs, maintaining a brisk scoring rate throughout. The chase was completed with 149 balls to spare.