Saim Ayub and Spin Attack Propel Pakistan to Dominant Series Win Over South Africa in 3rd ODI

In the third and final One-Day International in Faisalabad on Saturday, Saim Ayub’s impressive 77 off 70 balls led Pakistan to a comfortable seven-wicket win against South Africa, securing the series 2-1.

South Africa decided to bat first but suffered a batting collapse, ending their innings at a subpar 143 all out in 37.5 overs. Despite a promising start with a 72-run opening partnership between left-handers Quinton de Kock (53) and Lhuan-dre Pretorius (39), South Africa lost its remaining nine wickets for just 71 additional runs.

Pakistan’s spinners were instrumental in restricting South Africa’s scoring, with Abrar Ahmed achieving career-best figures of four for 27. Salman Agha (2-18) and Mohammad Nawaz (2-31) also delivered key performances, dismantling the middle order. Abrar’s variations troubled the South African batsmen, as his first three wickets were clean bowled.

Although Pakistan lost opener Fakhar Zaman for a duck in the first over, Saim Ayub steadied the innings, supported by contributions from Babar Azam (27) and Mohammad Rizwan (32 not out). Pakistan chased down the target comfortably with three wickets down and 149 balls to spare.

Pakistan is set to begin a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, while South Africa will continue their campaign on the subcontinent with a two-match Test series against India starting Friday.

Published on November 8, 2025.