Pakistan Seal Series 2–1 After Strong All-Round Win in Faisalabad

Pakistan finished their home ODI series against South Africa with a 7-wicket win in Faisalabad on Saturday, wrapping up the contest 2–1 after a composed chase led by Saim Ayub. The match never drifted once Pakistan’s spinners took control of the first innings and dismantled a South African side that looked solid early but lost shape in dramatic fashion.

South Africa chose to bat after winning the toss, and their openers justified the call with a firm stand. Quinton de Kock played with calm authority, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius matched him stroke for stroke. They moved to 72 without much concern. De Kock drove through cover with his usual ease. Pretorius stayed compact and punished anything short. Pakistan looked flat in the first 12 overs, and the outfield grew faster as the innings settled.

Then the tide turned with the introduction of spin. Salman Ali Agha broke the stand when he trapped Pretorius on 39. The wicket cracked the rhythm South Africa built. Abrar Ahmed sensed the opening and hit his lengths with precision. His first breakthroughs arrived quickly. His googly forced a misread. His quicker ball rushed another batter. South Africa’s intent faded as wickets fell in clusters.

De Kock stayed busy in the middle overs. He swept and glanced at anything on the pads. His fifty showed experience, but he needed support. No one offered it. Pakistan’s spinners kept their lines tight and varied pace cleverly. Nawaz added pressure from the other end with his stump-to-stump approach. Shaheen Afridi returned for a short spell and removed any late resistance.

South Africa went from 72 without loss to all out for 143 in 37.5 overs. Abrar finished with a career-best 4 for 27. His spell dictated the innings. Agha and Nawaz chipped in at crucial moments. Pakistan controlled the narrative once it gained a grip on the surface.

Pakistan began the chase with clarity. The target was small, and the pitch offered little for the pacers. Fakhar Zaman, however, fell early for a duck while trying to impose himself.

Saim Ayub stepped into that role with maturity. His footwork looked sharp. He judged the bounce early. He left nothing loose. He rotated strike without hesitation and struck boundaries when the field spread. His control calmed the dressing room and settled the chase.

South Africa’s bowlers searched for movement but found none. Saim reached his fifty with a crisp drive. He looked settled and continued to attack the gaps. His 77 off 70 balls carried intent and control. When he fell, Pakistan was already near the finish line. Rizwan stayed unbeaten on 32 and guided the team home without fuss.

Pakistan completed the chase with 149 balls left. The margin underlined the gulf between the sides on the day. The dressing room reaction showed relief and satisfaction. The series demanded consistency, and Pakistan found theirs in the final two matches.

Abrar Ahmed called for the Player of the Match award, while Quinton De Kock claimed the Player of the Series award after scoring 239 runs in the ODI series.

Series summary

The win closed the series at 2–1. It also offered Pakistan a clear template: proactive spin, controlled pace, and a batting order anchored by players who understand tempo. South Africa competed in moments but lost control too often.

Pakistan finished the day and the series with clarity and confidence.