HISTORY FOR PAKISTAN! Saim-Sufiyan Duo Stared as Pakistan Defeated Proteas in the 3rd ODI

Pakistan secured a historic 36-run win over South Africa, fueled by Saim Ayub's century, Klaasen's fiery resistance, and Muqeem's dream debut, completing a first-ever ODI clean sweep in South Africa.

South Africa vs Pakistan: This marks Pakistan's third bilateral series win in South Africa, but for the first time, they’ve achieved a clean sweep on South African soil. Saim Ayub's brilliant century and Sufiyan Muqeem's four-wicket haul were the standout performances that etched Pakistan’s historic victory in golden letters.

South Africa faced a historic setback, suffering their first-ever clean sweep in a bilateral ODI series at home after a 36-run loss to Pakistan in a rain-affected match at the Wanderers. This defeat adds to a tough year for the Proteas, who have managed to win just one of their three ODI series in 2024. Under white-ball coach Rob Walter, who took charge in February 2023, they’ve won only two out of six ODI series, raising concerns about their current form.

On the other hand, the Pakistan camp erupted in celebrations as they etched their name in history, becoming the first team to whitewash South Africa in an ODI bilateral series on their home soil. Rizwan and his squad triumphed Down Under and have now blanked South Africa at home, building immense momentum. With the ICC Champions Trophy just around the corner, Pakistan couldn’t be happier with these outstanding results.

Let's take a look at the summary of the SA vs PAK 3rd ODI:

SA vs PAK 3rd ODI Match Summary

South Africa won the toss for the third time and chose to bowl first. Pakistan’s innings got off to a rocky start as they lost their first wicket on the second ball of the match. However, Saim Ayub rose to the challenge with confidence. He forged a crucial 114-run partnership with Babar Azam for the second wicket, followed by a 93-run stand with Mohammad Rizwan for the third wicket, setting a strong foundation.

Ayub’s stellar knock of 101 off 99 balls ended when Corbin Bosch found the edge of his bat shortly after he reached his century. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan also shone with the bat, each scoring half-centuries to stabilize the innings. However, Pakistan faced a few setbacks, with mini-collapses on either side of Salman Agha and Tayyab Tahir's crucial sixth-wicket partnership.

The duo added a quickfire 74 runs off 47 balls, propelling Pakistan’s total past the 300-run mark. Their approach of steady starts followed by explosive finishes once again proved effective, giving them a strong 308-run score to defend. 

After choosing to bowl first in overcast conditions, South Africa missed opportunities to capitalize early on. Despite Kagiso Rabada repeatedly beating the bat, they struggled to maintain consistency as the game progressed. The spin duo of Bjorn Fortuin and Aiden Markram delivered 13 overs between them at a respectable economy rate of 5.6 runs per over, but the pace attack faltered.

Marco Jansen conceded 58 runs in his nine overs, while Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka, playing his first ODI at his home ground, shared 15 overs, giving away 119 runs and managing a wicket each. The lack of discipline from the seamers ultimately cost South Africa in critical moments of the game.

The chase started and South Africa's top-order batting concerns continued. South Africa’s chase began on a rocky note, losing both openers in the first seven overs. Temba Bavuma fell to Naseem Shah, slicing a catch to point, while Shaheen Afridi sent Tony de Zorzi back with a sharp, awkward return catch.

Aiden Markram’s stay was brief—dropped on 8 but bowled by debutant Sufiyan Muqeem with his very first ball in ODI cricket. There was a flicker of hope when Rassie van der Dussen and Heinrich Klaasen added 40 runs for the fourth wicket. But Mohammad Hasnain delivered a fiery yorker to uproot Van der Dussen, and Rizwan’s brilliant catch behind the stumps dismissed David Miller.

Klaasen then lit up the chase with a blazing 29-ball fifty, smashing Afridi for four consecutive boundaries and more in the next over. Just as things looked dangerous for Pakistan, Afridi struck back with a short ball to dismiss the set batter. The game still wasn’t in the bag for Pakistan as Corbin Bosch fought hard, keeping South Africa’s hopes alive even as wickets kept falling.

With just 37 runs needed off 32 balls, Bosch ran out of support as Muqeem cleaned up the tail in style. The debutant claimed three of the last four wickets, including two in two balls, securing Pakistan a thrilling 36-run win and a historic series sweep.

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Source- PCB OFFICIAL