Pakistan became the first team to whitewash South Africa in an ODI series at home when they won the third game on Sunday (December 22).
Pakistan posted 308-9 runs on the board after being sent in to bat first at the Wanderers Stadium in a rain-affected game. The first innings was reduced to 47 overs - a passage of play defined by Saim Ayub’s blistering hundred and fine fifties from mainstays Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
Ayub continued his form in the format, notching up his second ton in the series, and third in nine ODI innings. He brought up his hundred in 91 deliveries but lasted three more balls, departing for 101 off Corbin Bosch’s bowling.
Pakistan, who were 208-2 at one stage, were reduced to 223-5 within the space of 18 deliveries but a quickfire 48 from Salman Agha, who hit three fours and two sixes in his 33-ball stay at the crease, helped propel the visitors beyond the 300-run mark.
For the hosts, Kagiso Rabada was the most successful bowler, [picking up three wickets.
The run chase did not begin as expected. South Africa lost skipper Temba Bavuma in the fourth over, which soon became 123-5, with Aiden Markram (19), Rassie van der Dussen (35), and David Miller (3) back in the shed. Heinrich Klaasen kept South Africa alive, smashing 81 in 43 deliveries, but his departure in the 29th over almost meant curtains.
Bosch also made an unbeaten 40 at no.8, narrowly giving hope to the home side of a miracle win, but they eventually folded for 271, giving Pakistan a handsome win.
Having won the first two ODIs by three wickets and 81 runs, respectively, Pakistan completed a historic whitewash, weeks after winning an ODI series in Australia for the first time in 22 years.
This was only the third instance of Pakistan winning an ODI bilateral series in South Africa. It is also the second time they have whitewashed any team in the top ten of the ICC men’s team rankings outside Asia in a bilateral series featuring at least three games. They defeated the West Indies 3-0 away from home back in 2005.
The two teams will also play a two-match Test series, beginning on Boxing Day.
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