Pakistan Triumphs Over South Africa on a Rainy Day

Pakistan secured a thrilling 36-run victory over South Africa in a rain-affected ODI at the Wanderers, marking the first time South Africa has been whitewashed in a bilateral ODI series at home. Saim Ayub shone with both bat and ball, scoring a magnificent 101 and claiming figures of 1 for 34, while debutant wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem’s 4 for 52 exposed South Africa’s vulnerabilities against spin.

The defeat highlighted South Africa's struggles this year, having won just one of three ODI series and two out of six since Rob Walter took over as white-ball coach in February 2023. In contrast, Pakistan celebrated their fifth consecutive series win, following victories over New Zealand, Afghanistan, Australia, and Zimbabwe.

Ayub, enjoying a stellar summer in South Africa, anchored Pakistan's innings with his third century of the tour. His partnerships—114 runs with Babar Azam and 93 runs with Mohammad Rizwan—provided a solid platform. Babar and Rizwan contributed with fifties, while a late 74-run stand between Salman Agha and Tayyab Tahir propelled Pakistan past the 300-mark. Despite losing quick wickets towards the end, Pakistan's strategy of measured starts and explosive finishes once again proved effective.

South Africa’s response was anchored by Heinrich Klaasen, the only batter to notch fifties in all three matches of the series, finishing as the top run-scorer with an average of 88. However, his efforts were insufficient as he lacked support from the top order. Debutant Corbin Bosch’s valiant 40 at No. 8 provided some resistance, but South Africa ultimately fell short.

Opting to bowl first under overcast skies, South Africa started strong with Kagiso Rabada dismissing Abdullah Shafique for his third consecutive duck. However, inconsistent bowling, particularly from seamers Marco Jansen, Bosch, and Kwena Maphaka, allowed Pakistan to capitalise. Ayub punished the bowlers, racing to 50 off 54 balls and smashing boundaries at will to reach his century in 91 balls. Despite dismissing Ayub and Rizwan, South Africa’s bowlers couldn’t prevent Pakistan from amassing 308 in the rain-shortened 47-over match.

Chasing a revised target of 308 under the DLS method, South Africa stumbled early. Bavuma, struggling with his fitness, edged to point, while Tony de Zorzi and Aiden Markram failed to build partnerships. Klaasen fought valiantly, smashing a quickfire 81, but his dismissal to Shaheen Afridi sealed South Africa’s fate. Bosch showcased promise as a lower-order hitter, but with no partners left, South Africa were bowled out for 271 in 42 overs.

Muqeem’s four-wicket haul and Ayub’s all-round brilliance underscored Pakistan’s dominance, while South Africa faces critical questions ahead of the Champions Trophy. For Pakistan, this victory reinforced their growing strength in both batting depth and bowling prowess, leaving their rivals wary of their potential in future tournaments.

Scores: Pakistan 308/9 (Ayub 101; Rizwan 53, Babar 52; Rabada 3-56, Jansen 2-58) beat South Africa 271 all out in 42 overs (Klaasen 81, Bosch 40*; Muqeem 4-52) by 36 runs (DLS)