Saim Ayub starred with a stylish 77 as Pakistan defeated South Africa by seven wickets in the third ODI on Saturday in Faisalabad, clinching the series 2-1. Chasing a modest target of 144, Pakistan dominated with both bat and ball, reaching the total in just 26 overs with 100 balls to spare.
Pakistan’s innings started shakily when Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for a duck in the opening over, but Saim Ayub and Babar Azam stabilized the chase with a 65-run second-wicket partnership. Babar contributed 27 runs off 32 balls before being run out, while Saim continued to anchor the innings, later adding another 65 runs with Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan remained unbeaten on 32 to guide Pakistan home.
Read More: Saim Ayub, spinners steer Pakistan to ODI series victory over South Africa
Earlier, South Africa’s decision to bat first backfired as they were bowled out for 143 in 37.5 overs. Senior opener Quinton de Kock top-scored with 53, while Lhuan-dre Pretorius added 39. However, Pakistan’s spin attack triggered a dramatic collapse, with eight wickets falling for just 37 runs.
Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed was the star with the ball, claiming career-best figures of 4 for 27, supported by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz, and Salman Ali Agha, who picked up two wickets each. South Africa struggled to post a competitive total beyond their openers, leaving Pakistan with a straightforward chase.
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With the series win secured, Pakistan heads into upcoming assignments with confidence, while South Africa faces the task of reassessing their batting strategies following a disappointing performance.