Pakistan achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first team to whitewash South Africa in a bilateral ODI series on their home turf. The 3-0 series victory was capped off with a 36-run win in the third ODI, showcasing exceptional teamwork and individual brilliance.
Pakistan’s exceptional performance in the ODI series against South Africa marked a historic achievement as they became the first team to clean sweep the Proteas on their home soil. The victory is a testament to the team’s confidence, hard work, and collective spirit.
Match Highlights
Third ODI Recap:
Pakistan defended a challenging total of 308/9, restricting South Africa to 271 in 42 overs in a rain-affected game reduced to 47 overs per side.- Top Performers:
- Saim Ayub: Scored 101 off 94 balls, his second century in the series.
- Babar Azam: Contributed 52 runs.
- Mohammad Rizwan: Added 53 runs to bolster Pakistan’s total.
- Sufiyan Muqeem: Starred with the ball, taking 4/52.
- Top Performers:
Historic Feats:
- Saim Ayub became part of an elite group of overseas players, including Virat Kohli, David Warner, and Joe Root, to score multiple ODI centuries in South Africa.
- This win marks Pakistan’s fifth consecutive bilateral ODI series triumph.
Series Summary:
- First ODI: Pakistan won by three wickets.
- Second ODI: Pakistan secured an 81-run victory.
- Third ODI: A 36-run victory sealed the clean sweep.
Player Spotlight: Saim Ayub
The 22-year-old opener emerged as the series’ standout performer, earning both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards. His innings of 101, filled with aggressive strokeplay, laid the foundation for Pakistan’s dominance.
Teamwork and Leadership
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi praised the team, highlighting the collective efforts of players like Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, and the young bowling sensation Sufiyan Muqeem. He also emphasized the importance of this victory as a morale booster ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy.
What’s Next?
Pakistan’s remarkable performance sets the tone for their preparations for the Champions Trophy, where they aim to replicate their success on a global stage. The team’s confidence and form make them a formidable contender in international cricket.