Faisalabad: Pakistan defeated South Africa by seven wickets in the third One Day International (ODI) to secure the three-match series 2-1.
Chasing 144, Pakistan Dominates
In the Faisalabad fixture, Pakistan chased South Africa’s modest total of 144 runs in just 25.1 overs, losing three wickets. Saeem Ayub scored 77 runs off 70 balls, hitting 11 boundaries and a six before the bowler dismissed him. Fakhar Zaman failed to score, while Babar Azam made seven runs off 32 balls before the fielders ran him out.
Abrar Ahmed Leads Bowling Attack
South Africa’s batsmen scored 143 runs in 37.5 overs before Pakistan chased the target with ease. Abrar Ahmed claimed a career-best four wickets, while Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz, and Salman Ali Agha picked up two wickets each. South African wickets were shared by Andrie Burger and Bjorn Fortuin, who took one wicket apiece.
South Africa’s Batting Efforts Fall Short
Quinton de Kock led South Africa’s innings with 53 runs, followed by Pretorius with 39, captain Matthieu Brits with 16, and Peter with 16. Winning the toss, South Africa elected to bat first but could not post a competitive total.
Pakistan’s Strong Record at Iqbal Stadium
Pakistan has played 14 ODIs at Iqbal Stadium, winning 10 and losing four. South Africa has appeared in seven matches at the venue, winning three and losing four. Overall, Pakistan and South Africa have contested 18 ODIs at this ground.
Series Context and Previous Matches
The series had been tied 1-1 after South Africa’s dominant eight-wicket victory in the second ODI, where they chased Pakistan’s 270-run target in 40.1 overs with only two wickets down. The team Pakistan had previously won the T20 series 2-1, while the Test series ended in a draw.
Pakistan Squad for the Series
Pakistan fielded a strong squad led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, including Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, Saeem Ayub and Salman Ali Agha.
With the series now secured, Pakistan maintains momentum heading into future fixtures, demonstrating both batting depth and a potent bowling attack.
