Pakistan Spin Attack Floors South Africa for 143 in 3rd ODI

South Africa walked into the series decider with confidence after winning the toss in Faisalabad. That confidence lasted only a short while. By the 38th over, Pakistan’s bowlers ripped through their batting order and sent them back for just 143. This is a total that reflected pressure, misjudgment, and a middle-order freeze that never lifted.

Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius came out with clarity. They judged movement well and waited for anything loose. Pakistan’s seamers bowled tidy lines but lacked the threat needed to break the early stand. De Kock played late and stayed patient, mixing soft touches with firm strokes. Pretorius matched him with clean drives and smart rotation. The partnership moved to 72 without much drama.

The game changed when Pakistan turned to spin. Salman Ali Agha entered the attack and shifted the innings in his first spell. His rhythm looked effortless. His line stayed on the stumps. Pretorius tried to hit him, but was caught by Babar Azam. Pakistan got the first breakthrough.

Agha returned two overs later and struck again. Tony de Zorzi pushed forward but stayed stuck between defense and drive. Shaheen finished a sharp catch. South Africa slipped from comfort to concern. The scoreboard read 87 for 2, but the mood shifted fast.

De Kock tried to carry the innings alone. His footwork looked steady, but the bowlers gave him nothing easy. Muhammad Nawaz ended the key innings. De Kock got lbw. South Africa lost their anchor and slipped to 106 for 3.

Abrar Ahmed took advantage right away. His googly worked from ball one. He beat the bat, beat the pads, and kept the pressure heavy. Rubin Hermann missed the line and lost his stumps. Donovan Ferreira followed soon after. 

Bosch’s dismissal added to the slide. He walked in with instructions to hold the lower order together, but the moment swallowed him. Abrar bowled a ripping leg-break. Bosch poked, missed, and saw his off stump fly. The innings hit its lowest point right there. 

From 72 without loss to 117 for 6, the collapse came quickly. Pakistan’s bowlers stuck to the plan. No loose deliveries. No free boundaries. Fielders stayed alert and sharp in the ring. The pressure created mistakes. Partnerships never started.

The innings closed at 143.

Pakistan walked off the field with full confidence. Their spinners took control of the match with discipline. Agha’s double strike broke the backbone of South Africa’s innings. Abrar’s mid-overs spell built pressure and cleaned up the core. The rest of the attack was supported with smart lines and tight spells that offered no freebies.

Pakistan now chase 144 to seal the ODI series. The target is modest, but the pressure of a decider remains real. Faisalabad’s surface looks steady. The outfield is quick. The chase will demand calm early and focus throughout. A composed approach can end the contest early. A careless start can spark tension. The home fans stay firm behind their side, expecting a strong finish to a series that has swung more than once.

Pakistan holds the advantage. South Africa needs wickets with the new ball. The decider is set for a tense second half.

South Africa

143/10 (37.5 overs)

De Kock 53(70)

Abrar 4/27 (10 overs)