Pakistan’s spinners delivered a clinical performance as Abrar Ahmed’s career-best 4-27 helped bowl out South Africa for just 143, setting up a comfortable chase and a series-clinching seven-wicket win in the third ODI at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, on Saturday.
The victory, sealed in 25.1 overs, gave Shaheen Shah Afridi a successful result in his first ODI assignment as captain, and confirmed Pakistan’s 2-1 series win.
It has been teamwork. We have worked very hard across formats, so credit goes to the players. When the spinners came in, they made it tough. Every player who came in took their chances. We played good cricket, but now we prepare for the next challenge.
South Africa Collapse After Steady Start
After choosing to bat, South Africa began well, with Quinton de Kock (53) and Lhuan-dre Pretorius (39) putting on 72 for the opening wicket.
But once Salman Ali Agha (2-18) broke the stand, the innings unraveled. Mohammad Nawaz (2-31) removed de Kock, and Abrar ripped through the middle order with drift and sharp turn, taking three wickets in two overs, including a double strike that left South Africa 117/6. Shaheen then finished the job, with the visitors bowled out in 37.5 overs.
I kept things simple and applied what I’ve been working on. Landing the ball in the right areas is key with variations. I’m happy with the performance, but the goal is to do well in pressure games.
Saim Ayub Anchors the Chase
Chasing 144, Pakistan lost Imam early, but Saim Ayub was assured throughout, scoring 77 off 70 balls with 11 fours and a six. He shared fluent partnerships of 64 with Babar Azam (27) and 65 with Mohammad Rizwan (32*), guiding Pakistan home.
Not enough runs. We were looking at 250. Abrar bowled nicely. It was tough batting conditions, but there are positives to take, especially the experience for our younger players.
Series Recap
• Pakistan won 1st ODI (by 2 wickets)
• South Africa won 2nd ODI (by 8 wickets)
• Pakistan won 3rd ODI (by 7 wickets) → Series: Pakistan 2–1
Brief Scores: South Africa 143 all out (de Kock 53; Pretorius 39; Abrar 4-27) Pakistan 144/3 in 25.1 overs (Saim 77; Rizwan 32*) Pakistan won by seven wickets.
