The Pakistan national cricket team made history under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan following their 36-run victory over the South Africa national cricket team. Pakistan became the first touring team to whitewash South Africa in an ODI series played in South Africa, sealing a 3-0 series victory.
The Men in Green started the multi-format tour with a 2-0 loss. However, the visitors bounced back strongly in the ODI series, winning all three matches. Saim Ayub was named Player of the Series for his two centuries in the three games. This comes after Pakistan’s 2-1 ODI series victory in Australia last month.
Pakistan Becomes First Team to Whitewash South Africa in ODI Bilaterals
The visitors became the first team to whitewash South Africa in an ODI series on South African soil. South Africa, who first played an official ODI series in 1991, had never faced such a defeat at home.
Only the Men in Green and Australia have won three ODI series in the rainbow nation. Alongside Australia and Pakistan, India is the only other team to win multiple series in South Africa, with a victory in 2018-19. Other teams like England, West Indies, and New Zealand have won one ODI series each in South Africa.
Saim Ayub’s Second Century of the Series Helps Pakistan Secure Victory
South Africa opted to bowl first in the third ODI at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday, December 22. The visitors recovered well after losing opener Abdullah Shafique on the first ball. Saim Ayub (101 off 94) and Babar Azam (52 off 71) anchored the innings with a 115-run partnership.
Mohammad Rizwan (53 off 52) and late contributions from Salman Agha (48 off 33) and Tayyab Tahir (28 off 24) helped Pakistan post a competitive 308/9. Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa with 3/56.
In reply, South Africa started strongly but lost momentum after early breakthroughs by Naseem Shah (2/63) and Sufiyan Muqeem (4/52). Heinrich Klaasen kept South Africa in contention with an attacking 81 off 43 but failed to guide the team to victory. South Africa was bowled out for 271 in 42 overs.
The Nation Expects Such Things from Us – Mohammad Rizwan
Mohammad Rizwan expressed pride in his team’s performance, acknowledging the high expectations from their nation. Rizwan highlighted the challenges of playing away from home. He also commended Saim Ayub’s talent without overpraising him.
Speaking after the match, Mohammad Rizwan said, “Always a proud moment. The nation expects such things from us. We are happy. The whole team gave effort. The second ODI, everyone performed. That was a perfect team game. It is not easy playing away from your country. The guys had trust on each other. (On Saim Ayub) I don’t want to praise him more. We trust him and believe in his talent.”
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