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)
