Pakistan defeated South Africa by 36 runs (DLS method) in the third ODI at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannebsurg on Sunday, thanks to Saim Ayub‘s second century of the series, to complete a historic 3-0 sweep.
Ayub’s third ton in his last five innings saw him scoring a brilliant 101 from 94 deliveries, contributing to Pakistan’s total of 308 for 9.
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For South Africa, Heinrich Klaasen scored an aggressive 81 from 43 balls; however, the home team fell short by 36 in pursuit of the target after rain reduced the game to a 47-overs-a-side affair.
The 22-year-old Ayub had previously scored 113 not out against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo last month during the second one-day match, followed by 109 in the opening match against South Africa in Paarl last week.
Between his one-day appearances, he also achieved an unbeaten 98 in the second T20I against South Africa in Centurion.
Ayub received both the ‘Player of the Match’ and ‘Player of the Series’ accolades.
In a contrasting display, opener Abdullah Shafique recorded his third consecutive duck, while Ayub demonstrated remarkable control, executing shots across the ground whilst building substantial partnerships of 114 with Babar Azam (52) and 93 with skipper Mohammad Rizwan (53).
His innings concluded when he edged to the ‘keeper off debutant Corbin Bosch, attempting a bold leg-side stroke, after striking 13 boundaries and two sixes.
Klaasen maintained his consistency as the lone South African half-centurion for the third straight match. He maintained the required scoring rate until his dismissal at 194 in the 29th over, caught at square leg off Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Complementing his batting performance, Ayub delivered an efficient bowling spell, claiming 1 for 34 in his full quota of 10 overs with his off-spin. He secured the crucial wicket of David Miller and registered the match’s most economical figures.