Pakistan beat South Africa with 3-0 whitewash in ODI series

Pakistan achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first team to whitewash South Africa in a three-match ODI series on their home soil. The Green Shirts secured a convincing 36-run victory in the third and final ODI at Wanderers Stadium, Sandton, on Sunday, completing the series 3-0. This triumph also marks Pakistan’s first ODI whitewash against South Africa.

After being asked to bat in a rain-affected match reduced to 47 overs per side, Pakistan posted a formidable total of 308/9. The foundation of this victory was laid by opener Saim Ayub, who smashed his second century of the series. Ayub scored a dazzling 101 off 94 balls, including 13 boundaries and two sixes, and was instrumental in Pakistan’s success throughout the series.

Ayub and skipper Babar Azam steadied the innings with a vital 114-run partnership for the second wicket after an early loss. Babar contributed a composed 52 off 71 balls, but his dismissal in the 23rd over left Pakistan at 115/2.

Ayub’s departure at 208/3 in the 35th over triggered a brief collapse, with Kamran Ghulam falling for a golden duck in the following over. However, Mohammad Rizwan (53 off 52 balls) and Salman Ali Agha (48 off 32 balls) revived the innings with crucial knocks. Naseem Shah added a boundary in the final over to ensure Pakistan finished with a competitive score.

South African pacer Kagiso Rabada led the bowling attack with figures of 3/56, while Bjorn Fortuin and Marco Jansen claimed two wickets each.

Chasing 309, South Africa put up a spirited fight but were bowled out for 271 runs in 47 overs. Heinrich Klaasen stood out for the Proteas, playing a blistering knock of 81 off 43 balls, including six boundaries and five sixes. Debutant Corbin Bosch added resistance with a gritty 40, but their efforts were not enough to prevent the whitewash.

Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, led by young left-arm leg spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, who picked up 4/48. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah claimed two wickets each, while Saim Ayub contributed with the ball, conceding just 34 runs in his 10 overs and taking one wicket.

Saim Ayub’s stellar performances throughout the series earned him the Player of the Series award. His two centuries in three matches and his consistency with both bat and ball were pivotal to Pakistan’s dominance.