Faisalabad, November 8, 2025: Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed produced a match-winning spell on Saturday, claiming four wickets for 27 runs, as South Africa were bowled out for 143 in 37.5 overs in the third and final ODI at Iqbal Cricket Stadium, Faisalabad.
Proteas captain Matthew Breetzke’s decision to bat first after winning the toss backfired spectacularly, as the visitors collapsed against Pakistan’s spin-heavy attack despite a fighting half-century from veteran opener Quinton de Kock.
South Africa made a steady start with de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius putting up a 72-run opening stand. Pretorius looked in good touch, scoring 39 off 45 balls with four fours and a six, before falling to Salman Ali Agha in the 15th over.
De Kock, anchoring the innings, added brief stands with Tony de Zorzi (2) and Breetzke before he too perished — caught off Mohammad Nawaz for 53 off 70 balls, featuring six fours and a six.
His dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse, as Abrar Ahmed ran through the middle and lower order, taking four wickets to dismantle South Africa’s resistance. From a comfortable 106-2, the Proteas slumped to 143 all out, losing their last eight wickets for just 37 runs.
Apart from the openers, Breetzke and Nqabayomzi Peter (both 16) were the only other batters to reach double figures.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz, and Salman Ali Agha claimed two wickets each, providing strong support to Abrar’s brilliance.
Pakistan will now look to chase down the modest target to seal the three-match series 2-1.
