Saim Ayub leads Pakistan to series victory as Proteas collapse in Faisalabad

PAKISTAN'S cricket team made the cricketing world sit up and take notice as they secured their first-ever ODI series win over South Africa on home soil with a dominant performance in the third and deciding match at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. 

Chasing 144, the hosts reached the target with ease, finishing at 144/3 in just 25.1 overs, led by 23-year-old Saim Ayub, who scored a commanding 77 off 70 deliveries.

South Africa, batting first, suffered a dramatic collapse, being dismissed for 143 in 37.5 overs. After a promising opening stand of 72 between Quinton de Kock (53) and Lhuan-dre Pretorius (39), the Proteas lost nine wickets for just 71 runs as Pakistan’s spinners ripped through the middle and lower order. 

Legspinner Abrar Ahmed claimed 4/27, while left-arm spinners Salman Agha (2/18) and Mohammad Nawaz (2/31) also troubled the visitors. Fast bowler and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi finished with two wickets.

The fall of wickets reflected South Africa’s struggle against quality spin in subcontinent conditions. Pretorius was caught off Salman Agha in the 15th over after a promising start, followed by a series of clean bowled and lbw dismissals for debutants Rubin Hermann (1), Donovan Ferreira (7), Corbin Bosch (0), Bjorn Fortuin (3), and Nqaba Peter (16). 

Matthew Breetzke fought to build partnerships with the tail, but the Proteas could only add minimal runs before being bowled out.

Chasing a modest target, Pakistan faced little resistance. Aside from Fakhar Zaman losing his wicket early, Saim Ayub’s innings set the tone for a comfortable chase, demonstrating the depth and talent of Pakistan’s next generation. The 23-year-old’s boundaries all around the ground underlined his poise and potential as the hosts closed out a series that was never in serious doubt once the spin trio of Ahmed, Agha, and Nawaz applied pressure.

The series also served as a baptism of fire for South Africa’s younger players, exposing them to intense subcontinent conditions and high-pressure match situations. While the collapse will sting, the experience against quality spin and a confident Pakistan side will be invaluable for the Proteas’ emerging talent, providing lessons that could benefit them in future tours.

For Pakistan, the win capped off a series in which their youngsters showed they can be a dangerous unit at home, capable of controlling both batting and bowling in ODI conditions. With Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, and the rest of the squad performing strongly, the hosts displayed the kind of composure and skill that signals a bright future.

Scorecard Highlights

South Africa 143 all out (Quinton de Kock 53, Lhuan-dre Pretorius 39; Abrar 10-1-27-4)

Pakistan 144/3 in 25.1 overs (Saim Ayub 77)