Pakistan's new feat on South African soil with Saim's skill

Pakistan's new feat on South African soil with Saim's skill

The stage was set. A victory was waiting. Pakistan got the desired victory against South Africa in Johannesburg last night. With this victory, achieved with a brilliant century by Saim Ayub, Pakistan has thrashed South Africa for the first time in an ODI.

On the other hand, for South Africa, this is not only Pakistan's, but also the first thrashing against any team in an ODI at home. Batting first, Pakistan scored 308 runs for 9 wickets in a match reduced to 47 overs due to rain. Chasing, the Proteas were bundled out for 272 runs in 42 overs and lost by 36 runs.

Pakistan has won ODI series on South African soil twice before. However, they lost one match each in the three-match series in 2013 and 2021. But this time, Mohammad Rizwan's team has surpassed that.

Pakistan has prepared well before hosting the Champions Trophy at home next February. Last month, Rizwan and his team defeated Australia 2-1 on Australian soil. However, considering the injuries in the team and various aspects, the 3-0 series win against South Africa is special.

Pakistan lost the toss and elected to bat first in Johannesburg and lost the wicket of Abdullah Shafiq with the second ball. But after that, without letting the team get into any more trouble, Saim and Babar Azam formed a great partnership. The two of them made a partnership of 114 runs. Saim did not stop even after Babar returned with an individual 52 runs.

Along with captain Rizwan, he took the team towards a big collection. In the 34th over, this opener scored his second century in the series. However, Saim could not last long after the century.

He returned to the field after scoring 101 runs off 94 balls with 13 fours and 2 sixes, falling victim to Corbin Bach. Rizwan scored 53 runs apart from Saim's century. And Salman Agha scored a blistering 48 runs off 33 balls. Pakistan were bowled out for 308 for 9.

In reply, Heinrich Klaasen scored an aggressive 81 off 43 balls for South Africa, hitting 12 fours and 2 sixes, but the rest of the team could not settle down. Bach scored the second-highest 40 runs for the team. As a result, the hosts could not collect more than 271 runs in the end. Sufian Mukim took 4 wickets for 52 runs for Pakistan.

In addition to being the man of the match, Sime was named man of the series with 235 runs in three matches at an average of 78.33 in two centuries. Reacting, the young opener said, "It is special for me because we won. The credit goes to the entire team. This award is also for everyone in the team. They all helped me win this award. As a young player, I try to learn from every match. The seniors have helped me in every match."