Pakistan closed out the three‑match ODI series in Faisalabad with a 2‑1 win, thanks to a dominant spell from leg‑spinner Abrar Ahmed. The match took place at the Iqbal Stadium on Saturday, and Pakistan’s bat‑and‑ball duo finished the series against South Africa in style.
Abrar Ahmed turns the tide
Abrar led the Pakistani attack, taking 4‑27 in his ten overs, the best figures in the match. His wickets kept the South African bowlers in check and prevented a top‑order collapse. Pakistani pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi added two more wickets, while Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Nawaz each took two. Pakistan wrapped up South Africa’s innings for 143 all out, giving the hosts Pakistan a comfortable advantage.
South Africa’s shaky start
South Africa began their innings with a solid opening partnership from Quinton de Kock (53) and Lhuan‑dre Pretorius (39), but a sequence of wickets in the middle overs turned the game. Mohammad Nawaz’s lbw to de Kock rattled the scoreboard, and Abrar’s consecutive wickets wiped out a four‑over run. The innings never recovered, and the visitors were bowled out with 24.5 overs to spare.
Pakistan’s solid chase
Pakistan chased 144 with a relaxed 25.1 overs. Opening batsman Saim Ayub anchored the innings with a 77 off 70 balls, hitting 11 fours and a six. He built two big partnerships: 64 runs with former captain Babar Azam and 65 runs with Mohammad Rizwan, who finished on 32 not out. The chase was completed with seven wickets to spare and a margin that is among the biggest wins in Pakistan’s ODI history.
Series recap
South Africa had a bright start in the first ODI but ultimately lost the series, finishing 2‑1 in the one‑day format. The two‑Test tour ended in a 1‑1 draw, while Pakistan also won the T20I series by the same margin.
Pakistani fans celebrated a strong display from the home side, with the spinners proving their worth at Iqbal Stadium. The victory gives captain Shaheen Afridi a positive result in his first ODI assignment.
Source: ianslive
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