WEB DESK: Pakistan defeated South Africa by 35 runs in the final match of the three-match ODI series on Sunday, securing a clean sweep with a 3-0 series win.
In the rain-affected match played in Johannesburg, Pakistan batted first, setting a target of 308 runs for the hosts. The match saw a delayed start due to rain, which also caused a reduction of three overs, bringing the total to 47 overs per side.
South African captain won the toss and invited Pakistan to bat. Despite the interruptions, Pakistan managed to post a competitive total of 308/9 in their allotted 47 overs. Opening batsman, Saim Ayub, played a brilliant knock of 101 runs off 91 balls, including 13 boundaries and 2 sixes. His century was the highlight of Pakistan’s innings.
Other notable contributions came from captain Mohammad Rizwan (53 runs), Babar Azam (52 runs), deputy captain Salman Agha (48 runs), and Tayyab Tahir (28 runs).
For South Africa, Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets, while Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj took two wickets each.
Pakistan made three changes to their playing XI for the third ODI, with Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Hasnain, and Sufyan Maqeem replacing Irfan Niazi, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed.
With this win, Pakistan extended their 3-0 series lead and sealed a comprehensive victory. The match was also significant as it was South Africa’s annual Pink Day match, a day dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer. On this day, the South African team wears pink jerseys to support the cause.
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