Pakistan win historic ODI series vs South Africa after Abrar, Saim shine in decider

Pakistan capped off a historic evening in Faisalabad with a commanding seven-wicket win over South Africa on Saturday, November 8, sealing the three-match series 2–1. It was a landmark occasion — not only Pakistan’s first-ever ODI series win over South Africa at home, but also a triumphant beginning to Shaheen Shah Afridi’s journey as Pakistan’s ODI captain.

The emphatic chase, completed with 149 balls to spare, also went down as Pakistan’s biggest ODI win against the Proteas by balls remaining, eclipsing the previous best of 111 in Johannesburg in 2019.

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The series decider belonged to two rising stars — Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed. Saim’s composure and stroke-making at the top provided the perfect start to the chase, while Abrar’s mesmerising spell with the ball broke the back of the South African batting order.

Pakistan vs South Africa, 3rd ODI Highlights

Earlier, after Shaheen opted to bowl first, South Africa made a steady start through Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who added 72 for the opening wicket. De Kock, later named Player of the Series for his 239 runs, top-scored with 53.

Once Abrar was introduced, however, the innings unravelled swiftly. The leg-spinner struck in quick succession, dismissing Matthew Breetzke, Rubin Hermann, Donovan Ferreira, and Corbin Bosch, finishing with 4 for 27 from 10 overs. Supported ably by Mohammad Nawaz (2/31) and Salman Agha (2/18), Abrar engineered a collapse from 87/2 to 143 all out in 37.5 overs.

In reply, Pakistan suffered an early blow when Fakhar Zaman fell for a duck, but Saim Ayub took control with a fluent 77 off 70 balls, peppered with 11 boundaries and a six. His 65-run stand with Babar Azam stabilised the innings before a moment of misfortune ended the skipper’s stay.

Looking sharp on 27, Babar nudged one fine past short third and called for a third run. Corbin Bosch, stationed at short third, sprinted to his right, slid, and released a pinpoint throw to the keeper. The replay showed Babar’s bat was just short as Quinton de Kock whipped off the bails.

Mohammad Rizwan (32* off 45) and Salman Agha (5*) saw Pakistan home comfortably soon after. Abrar was named Player of the Match for his decisive spell, while Shaheen’s successful debut as ODI captain marked a fresh dawn for Pakistan cricket.

Brief Scores

South Africa: 143 all out in 37.5 overs. Quinton de Kock (53), Lhuan-dre Pretorius (39); Abrar Ahmed (4/27), Mohammad Nawaz (2/31), Agha Salman (2/18), Shaheen Shah Afridi (2/18)

Pakistan: 144/3 in 25.1 overs. Saim Ayub (77), Babar Azam (27), Mohammad Rizwan (32*); Nandre Burger (1/29), Bjorn Fortuin (1/34)

Result: Pakistan beat South Africa by 7 wickets.

- Ends

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