Pakistan completed a 3-0 ODI series victory against South Africa, winning the final match by 36 runs via the DLS method. Key performances included Saim Ayub’s 101 runs and Sufiyan Muqeem’s four wickets. South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen scored 81 runs in a valiant chase. This victory marks Pakistan’s fifth consecutive ODI series win as they prepare for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Pakistan concluded its ODI series against South Africa with a commanding 3-0 victory, securing the final match by 36 runs using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. Openers performed notably, with Saim Ayub achieving 101 runs from 94 balls, leading Pakistan to a total of 308-9 in 47 overs due to rain interruptions. South Africa chased valiantly but fell short, being bowled out for 271 in 42 overs.
After losing the toss, Pakistan faced an early setback at 1-1 with the early dismissal of Abdullah Shafique. However, Saim Ayub catalyzed the innings with vital partnerships: compiling 114 runs with Babar Azam, who contributed 52 runs, and 93 runs alongside captain Mohammad Rizwan, who scored 53 runs. Ayub’s innings was punctuated with 13 boundaries and two sixes before he was dismissed. Salman Agha’s contribution of 48 runs off 33 balls further elevated the total, while South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada took 3 wickets for 56 runs.
In South Africa’s response, Heinrich Klaasen emerged as the top scorer, achieving 81 runs off 43 balls, while Corbin Bosch remained not out at 40. For Pakistan, spinner Sufiyan Muqeem delivered an impressive performance, taking 4 wickets for 52 runs in 8 overs. Pakistan’s previous victories in the series included a three-wicket win in the first ODI and an 81-run victory in the second.
Although South Africa claimed the T20 series 2-0, Pakistan’s successful ODI series strengthens its position ahead of the Champions Trophy scheduled for February, which they will host. This victory marks Pakistan’s fifth consecutive bilateral ODI series triumph, showcasing their growing prowess in limited-overs cricket.
The recent ODI series featured Pakistan and South Africa, highlighting Pakistan’s growing cricketing strength, particularly in the one-day format. The series consisted of three ODIs, where Pakistan managed a clean sweep, winning all the matches decisively. The context of this series is further enriched by the historical rivalry between the two teams, as both have made notable advancements in international cricket in recent years, with Pakistan gearing up for the upcoming Champions Trophy, which it will host.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s triumph over South Africa in the ODI series, culminating in a 3-0 sweep, reflects the team’s strong performance and readiness for future challenges, particularly the upcoming Champions Trophy. Key players such as Saim Ayub and Sufiyan Muqeem were instrumental in their success, demonstrating both batting depth and bowling strength. Despite this loss in the ODIs, South Africa’s T20 success underlines the competitive nature of cricket on both sides, ensuring a thrilling continuation of their cricketing rivalry in the future.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
