Pak vs SA: Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman’s Stellar Performances

In a groundbreaking achievement, Pakistan’s cricket team has become the first to whitewash South Africa in a bilateral One Day International (ODI) series on South African soil.

Saim Ayub’s Remarkable Performance

Opener Saim Ayub has been instrumental in this series, scoring multiple centuries against South Africa. His century in the third ODI, his second of the series, places him among an elite group of overseas batters who have achieved multiple ODI centuries in South Africa, alongside cricketing giants like Virat Kohli, David Warner, Fakhar Zaman, and Joe Root.

Third ODI Highlights

In the third and final match at The Wanderers, Pakistan was invited to bat first in a rain-affected game reduced to 47 overs per side. The team capitalized on this opportunity, posting a formidable total of 308 for nine. Ayub led the batting lineup with an impressive 101 runs off 94 balls, marking his third century in just nine ODIs. He shared a crucial 114-run partnership with captain Babar Azam, who contributed 52 runs, and a 93-run stand with Mohammad Rizwan, who added 53 runs.

South Africa’s chase was led by Heinrich Klaasen, who struck a blistering 81 off 43 balls, and Corbin Bosch, who contributed 40 runs. However, the hosts faltered under pressure and were bowled out for 271 in 42 overs, resulting in a 36-run victory for Pakistan.

Bowling Excellence

Pakistan’s bowling attack was spearheaded by debutant wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, who finished with impressive figures of 4 for 52. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah also shone with two wickets each, while Mohammad Hasnain and Saim Ayub chipped in with a wicket apiece.

Accolades for Saim Ayub

For his outstanding all-round performance, which included two centuries and 235 runs across the series, along with two wickets, Saim Ayub was named Player of the Match in the final ODI and Player of the Series.

Captaincy Milestone

This series also marked Mohammad Rizwan’s third consecutive ODI series victory as Pakistan’s skipper. His tenure began with a historic 2-1 series win over Australia—their first on Australian soil since 2002—followed by a 2-1 victory against Zimbabwe earlier this month.

Looking Ahead

Following this momentous ODI series, Pakistan and South Africa are set to compete in a two-match Test series in Pretoria. The upcoming matches present an opportunity for both teams to further showcase their talents and resilience in the longer format of the game.

For a visual recap of Saim Ayub’s outstanding century in the third ODI, you can watch the following video: