The third ODI of Pakistan vs South Africa at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, Pakistan showcased all-round brilliance to defeat South Africa by seven wickets in the third and final ODI, sealing the series 2-1. The hosts delivered a clinical performance, with Abrar Ahmed’s magical spell and a composed batting display leading them to victory.
After winning the toss opt to bat first, The visitors began confidently as Quinton de Kock (53 off 58 balls) and Lhuan De Pretorius (39 off 45 balls) put together a solid opening partnership of 72 runs. Their intent looked clear build a foundation and post a challenging total.
However, Pakistan spinners had other plans. The introduction of Abrar Ahmed completely changed the momentum of the game. The mystery spinner delivered a devastating spell of 4 for 27 in 10 overs, dismantling South Africa’s middle order. His flight, control, and variation.
The collapsed was dramatic from 72/1 to 122/7 , None other batters crossed twenties apart from de Kock and De Pretorius, Tony De Zorzi added only 2 , and Matthew Breetzkee 16, Rubin Hermann 1 and Donovan Ferreira managed 7, while Nqbayomzi Peter added 16 valuable runs at the end , Eventually South Africa Bowled out on 143 in 37.5 overs .
While Mohammad Nawaz, Saheen Afridi and Salman Agha chipped with 2 wickets each.
Chasing 144 , Pakistan innings began with shaky notes , when Fakhar Zaman goes without scoring, Nandre Burger gave perfect Start for south africa when Fakhar Zaman goes without scoring, while Babar Azam played 27 runs innings and put 65 run Partnerships with Saim Ayub and Ensure strong position, Ayub played 70 runs off 70 balls with the help of 11 fours and one six, and Mohammad Rizwan composed his innings with unbeaten 32 runs off 45 deliveries featuring 3 boundaries and a six, while Salman Ali Agha unbeaten steady on 5 , ensure Pakistan victory by 7 wickets just in 25.1 overs, seal the series 2-1 .
Meanwhile Nandre Burger and Bjorn Fortuin chipped with one wicket, one wicket came from run out.
Pakistan vs South Africa match summary
Toss: South Africa won the toss opted to bat first
South Africa innings: 143/10 in 37.5 overs
Top performer: Quenton de Kock 53 runs off 70 deliveries , Abrar Ahmed 4/27 in 10 overs
Pakistan innings: 144/3 in 25.1 overs
Top performer: Saim Ayub 77 runs off 70 balls, Nandre Burger 1/29 in 5 overs
Result: Pakistan won by 7 wickets and seal the series 2-1 three matches series.
Player of the match: Abrar Ahmed 4/46 in 10 overs
Player of the series: Quenton de Kock 3 matches, 239 runs, average 79.66