Faisalabad, November 8, 2025: A scintillating half-century from Saim Ayub and a four-wicket haul by Abrar Ahmed powered Pakistan to a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the third and final ODI at the Iqbal Stadium on Saturday, clinching the three-match series 2-1.
Chasing a modest 144-run target, Pakistan cruised home in the 26th over with 100 balls to spare, capping off a dominant all-round display.
Pakistan’s innings began shakily when Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for a two-ball duck by Nandre Burger in the opening over. However, Babar Azam (27 off 32) and Saim Ayub steadied the chase with a fluent 65-run stand for the second wicket.
After Babar’s run-out, Saim continued to attack, forming another 65-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan to put Pakistan on the brink of victory. The left-hander fell for a brilliant 77 off 70 balls, laced with 11 fours and a six, shortly before the hosts crossed the finish line.
Rizwan remained unbeaten on 32 off 45 balls, striking three fours and a six, while Salman Ali Agha chipped in with five not out. For South Africa, Burger and Bjorn Fortuin claimed one wicket each.
Earlier, South Africa’s decision to bat first backfired as they were bundled out for 143 in 37.5 overs, despite a fighting half-century from Quinton de Kock.
De Kock top-scored with 53 off 70 balls, while Lhuan-dre Pretorius contributed 39. After their 72-run opening stand, the Proteas collapsed spectacularly, losing eight wickets for just 37 runs as Abrar Ahmed spun a web around their middle and lower order.
Abrar starred with figures of 4 for 27 in 10 overs, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz, and Salman Ali Agha picked up two wickets each.
The emphatic win not only sealed the series for Pakistan but also provided a major boost ahead of their upcoming home fixtures.
