In the rain-affected third ODI at Wanderers, Pakistan registered a historic 3-0 sweep of South Africa to seal the final with a 36-run lead under the DLS method. The star of the day was Pakistan opener Saim Ayub, who played a crucial role in whitewashing the series with a brilliant performance of 101 off 94 balls.
The glorious century of Saim Ayub
Pakistan’s innings began uncertainly with Abdullah Shafiq falling in the first over after being asked to bat first in overcast conditions. However, Ayub’s explosive knock, which included two sixes and 13 fours, soon stabilized the innings. Ayub shared a 114-run second-wicket partnership with Babar Azam to help Pakistan recover from a shaky start. Azam contributed 52 runs off 71 balls, but Ayub’s aggressive play set the tone.
Ayoub’s outstanding consistency in this series has been a bright spot. Prior to this series, he scored 109 runs in the first ODI and 98 runs in T20Is, with a century at Rangers proving his growing stature in international cricket. His partnership with captain Mohammad Rizwan (53 off 52 balls) was crucial in adding 93 runs for the third wicket to further strengthen Pakistan’s position.
Mid-level orders usher in the final boom
Pakistan’s middle order continued the momentum with Salman Agha’s quick-fire knock of 48 off 33 balls. Despite South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada (3-56) fighting back with a crucial wicket, Pakistan’s controlled attack ensured they posted a competitive 308/9 in 47 overs Overall score. Despite some minor collapses, this partnership, especially between Ayub and Rizwan, has allowed Pakistan to continue to dominate.
South Africa’s counterattack led by Claassen
In response, South Africa faced a strict target of 308 but this was adjusted to 308 under the DLS method due to rain disruptions. Heinrich Klaasen performed well with his 81 off just 43 balls, showing off his strong batting ability. Klassen has been South Africa’s most consistent performer in the series and he was a beacon of hope, even as wickets fell at the other end.
Debutant Corbin Bosch scored a solid 40 but despite their efforts, the target proved too challenging. South Africa’s top order continued to struggle, with early wickets falling to Pakistan bowlers. Despite South Africa’s stout resistance, they were bowled out for 271 in just 42 overs, with Pakistan winning 36 runs.
Muqeem and Ayub lead Pakistan bowling
On the bowling front, Pakistan’s Sufiyan Muqeem performed brilliantly, scoring 52 runs and taking 4 wickets in 8 overs. His spin bowling caused problems for South Africa as the hosts struggled to form partnerships. Muqeem’s performance, along with Shaheen Shah Afridi (2-50), played a major role in dismantling South Africa’s lower-middle order.
Ayub was not only a force with the bat, he also contributed with the ball, taking the crucial wicket of 34 runs in his 7 overs. His all-round performance on the day highlighted his growing importance to the team.
Pakistan’s historic series win
The series sweep marks Pakistan’s fifth consecutive bilateral ODI series victory, a remarkable achievement ahead of the Champions Trophy scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan in February 2025. Proving their mettle, wins over New Zealand, Afghanistan, Australia and Zimbabwe are already in their pocket.
For South Africa, however, this series defeat has further deepened concerns over their ODI set-up. Despite outstanding individual performances, such as Klassen’s consistency, they are yet to find the right formula in white-ball cricket. South Africa’s struggles, especially in the absence of key partnerships, have raised questions ahead of the upcoming Test against Pakistan.