Pakistan sealed a comprehensive 2-1 series victory over South Africa in the third ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, winning by seven wickets with 149 balls remaining. South Africa, batting first, collapsed to 143 all out in 37.5 overs despite a solid opening partnership. Abrar Ahmed starred with career-best figures of 4/27, dismantling the middle order. Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Nawaz also contributed with two wickets each. Chasing a modest target, Pakistan lost Fakhar Zaman for a second consecutive duck, but Saim Ayub's fluent 77 off 77 balls anchored the chase. Though Babar Azam fell for 27, Mohammad Rizwan and Agha finished unbeaten to secure the win. This marked Pakistan's first-ever ODI series win against South Africa at home. Skipper Shaheen Afridi celebrated victory in his maiden series as ODI captain.
Match Summary and Key Performances
South Africa won the toss and chose to bat but suffered a dramatic collapse after Quinton de Kock's half-century. Abrar Ahmed spearheaded Pakistan's bowling attack with 4/27 in 10 overs, his best ODI figures. Salman Ali Agha dismissed both Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Tony de Zorzi, triggering the decline. The tourists were bowled out for just 143 runs. Pakistan's chase began poorly with Fakhar Zaman's duck, but Saim Ayub scored a brilliant 77, hitting 11 fours and a six. Despite Babar Azam's run-out for 27, Mohammad Rizwan and Agha completed the victory comfortably. Eight wickets by Pakistani spinners set a record against South Africa in ODI innings. Abrar received the Player of the Match award for his exceptional spell.
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