Pakistan achieved a clean sweep of the ODI series against South Africa, winning the third match by 36 runs. Saim Ayub shone with a century, while the bowlers effectively restricted South Africa. The team displays strong form ahead of the Champions Trophy in February, despite earlier losses in the T20 format.
Pakistan has completed a formidable 3-0 clean sweep of the One Day International (ODI) series against South Africa, claiming victory in the third and final match by 36 runs utilizing the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method after rain intervened. Opener Saim Ayub was the standout performer, scoring 101 runs off 94 balls. His innings contributed significantly to Pakistan’s total of 308 for 9 at the Wanderers, where South Africa was all out for 271 runs in 42 overs while chasing a target of 308.
After electing to bat first following the loss of the toss, Pakistan faced an early setback at 1-1 with the dismissal of Abdullah Shafique. However, Ayub’s crucial partnerships of 114 runs for the second wicket with Babar Azam, who scored 52, and 93 runs for the third wicket with captain Mohammad Rizwan, who contributed 53, propelled the innings. Ayub, who had previously scored 109 in the first ODI, fell to debutant Corbin Bosch, concluding his innings with two sixes and 13 fours. Salman Agha also added crucial runs, scoring 48 runs off 33 balls. South Africa’s pace spearhead, Kagiso Rabada, registered impressive bowling figures of 3-56.
In response, Heinrich Klaasen led South Africa’s batting effort with a rapid 81 runs off 43 balls, while Bosch remained not out on 40. Pakistan’s bowling attack was spearheaded by spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, who claimed 4 wickets for 52 runs in eight overs. Prior to this match, Pakistan had already secured the ODI series by winning the first match by three wickets and the second by 81 runs. The hosts had earlier triumphed in a three-match Twenty20 series 2-0, setting a contrasting tone between formats. Following this series, the teams will engage in two Test matches commencing Thursday at Centurion.
Pakistan’s fifth consecutive bilateral ODI series victory enhances its momentum as it prepares to host the Champions Trophy in February. This achievement underscores the team’s rising stature in international cricket following their commendable performances against South Africa.
The conclusion of the ODI series between Pakistan and South Africa highlighted the competitive nature of international cricket, particularly in the limited-overs format. Pakistan demonstrated resilience and strategic acumen, showcasing the talents of emerging players like Saim Ayub. The performance in ODIs adds confidence as the team gears up for the Champions Trophy, a significant tournament in the cricket calendar. The contrasting results in the shorter format, where South Africa excelled in T20 matches, further emphasize the significance of adaptability in different cricketing formats.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s 3-0 sweep of the ODI series against South Africa epitomizes the team’s developing prowess in international cricket. With key contributions from players like Saim Ayub and Sufiyan Muqeem, Pakistan is poised advantageously ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy. The transition from limited-overs cricket to Test matches will be pivotal as both teams seek to build on their experiences during this series, further testing their abilities in the traditional format of the game.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
