Pakistan’s rising star, Saim Ayub, delivered another stunning performance, scoring a match-winning 101 off 94 balls to help Pakistan secure a historic 3-0 series clean sweep over South Africa in the third One-Day International (ODI) at the Wanderers Stadium.
The rain-affected match, reduced to 47 overs per side, saw Pakistan post a commanding total of 307-6, thanks to Ayub’s aggressive knock. His second century of the series placed him in an elite group of overseas batters who have scored multiple ODI centuries in South Africa, alongside names like Virat Kohli, David Warner, Fakhar Zaman, and Joe Root. Kohli and Kevin Pietersen lead this list with three centuries each in South Africa.
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Ayub’s performance also led Pakistan to become the first team to whitewash South Africa in an ODI series on their home turf.
After Pakistan lost opener Abdullah Shafique early, Ayub formed two crucial partnerships: a 114-run stand with Babar Azam (52) and a 93-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan (53), which set up Pakistan’s imposing total. His innings included 13 boundaries and two sixes before he was caught behind off debutant Corbin Bosch.
South Africa, in response, mounted a spirited chase led by Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive 81 off 43 balls, but they ultimately fell short, being bowled out for 271 in 42 overs. Debutant Bosch remained unbeaten on 40. Pakistan’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Sufiyan Muqeem (4/52), kept South Africa in check throughout their innings.
With this victory, Pakistan completed a series clean sweep, having won the second ODI by 81 runs and the first match by three wickets. Ayub’s twin centuries cement his place among cricket’s rising stars and mark a bright future for the young opener.
