Pakistan has completed a 3-0 ODI series sweep against South Africa, winning the last match by 36 runs under DLS. Saim Ayub scored 101 runs, leading his team to 308, while South Africa was bowled out for 271. Pakistan already clinched the series with prior victories in the first two ODIs. The teams will soon face off in a two-match Test series.
Pakistan has emerged victorious in its One Day International (ODI) series against South Africa, completing a clean sweep with a 3-0 series win. The final match, held at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on December 22, 2024, concluded with Pakistan winning by 36 runs, utilizing the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method due to rain interruptions. Notably, Saim Ayub played a standout innings, scoring 101 runs off 94 deliveries, leading Pakistan to a total of 308 runs. The host nation, South Africa, was dismissed for 271 runs in 42 overs while chasing Pakistan’s target.
Pakistan opted to bat first after losing the toss, enduring an early setback with the loss of Abdullah Shafique for a mere one run. However, Saim Ayub revitalized the innings with two significant partnerships — first contributing to a 114-run stand with Babar Azam, who scored 52 runs, and then adding 93 runs with captain Mohammad Rizwan, who made 53 runs. Ayub, who had previously scored 109 runs in the first ODI, faced debutant Corbin Bosch and was caught behind, having hit two sixes and 13 boundaries. Salman Ali Agha also bolstered the score with a quick-fire 48 runs from 33 balls, while South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada secured three wickets for 56 runs.
In response, South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen made a notable effort, scoring 81 runs off 43 balls. Corbin Bosch contributed a not-out score of 40 runs; however, they fell short, yielding to Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, who took four wickets for 52 runs. Pakistan had previously clinched the ODI series by winning the first match by three wickets and the second by a comfortable 81 runs. Despite this ODI defeat, South Africa triumphed in the preceding T20 series, winning 2-0. Both teams are set to face each other in two Test matches starting Thursday at Centurion.
The One Day International series culminated in a resounding success for Pakistan, reinforcing the team’s competitive edge ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy, which Pakistan will host in February. A comprehensive 3-0 victory against South Africa is a testament to Pakistan’s growing prowess in the ODI format. The series showcased the talent of players such as Saim Ayub and Sufiyan Muqeem, highlighting their crucial roles in securing victories and enhancing the team’s reputation in international cricket. Conversely, South Africa, while displaying resilience and competing in the T20 format previously, will look to bounce back in the forthcoming Test series.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s sweeping 3-0 ODI series victory against South Africa underscores a significant achievement for the team, as it approaches the Champions Trophy with momentum and confidence. The performances of key players like Saim Ayub and Sufiyan Muqeem were pivotal in securing this series. Despite South Africa’s previous T20 success, the upcoming Tests will present a new challenge for both teams, fostering further competitive spirit in the cricketing arena.
Original Source: apnews.com
