Saim Ayub's Heroics Lead Pakistan to Historic ODI Whitewash Over South Africa

Saim Ayub brought up his second hundred of the series • AFP/Getty Images

Saim Ayub's Heroics Lead Pakistan to Historic ODI Whitewash Over South Africa

In a landmark series, Pakistan secured their first-ever ODI whitewash in South Africa, defeating the hosts by 36 runs (DLS method) in a rain-affected match at the Wanderers. Saim Ayub, with a scintillating century, and debutant wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, who bagged four wickets, were the stars of the day as Pakistan dominated the final encounter.

Ayub’s second century of the series, a masterful 101 off 91 balls, laid the foundation for Pakistan's innings. He formed crucial partnerships with captain Babar Azam (52) and Mohammad Rizwan (53), driving Pakistan to a competitive 308 for 9. Their innings was marked by a slow start but explosive finishing touches, including a 74-run stand between Salman Agha and Tayyab Tahir that propelled the total past 300.

Muqeem, making an impressive debut, exploited South Africa's spin vulnerabilities with figures of 4 for 52, dismantling their batting lineup when it mattered most.

South Africa, chasing a revised target of 308 in 47 overs due to rain, faltered despite Heinrich Klaasen’s valiant 81 and debutant Corbin Bosch’s 40*. Klaasen, the series' top scorer, lacked support from the rest of the lineup. While the hosts started strong at 24 for 1, early dismissals of key batters, including Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram, derailed their chase.

Klaasen tried to anchor the innings, reaching his fifty off just 29 balls and launching an aggressive counterattack against Shaheen Afridi. However, his dismissal at deep square leg signaled the end of South Africa’s hopes.

Pakistan's bowlers were clinical. Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi struck early, while Muqeem’s crafty spin exposed South Africa's frailties. Even promising cameos from Bosch and the lower order couldn’t prevent their team from folding at 271 in 42 overs.

This triumph marks Pakistan’s fifth consecutive bilateral ODI series win, having previously defeated New Zealand, Afghanistan, Australia, and Zimbabwe. Ayub’s stunning performances this summer, including two centuries and a T20I masterclass, further solidified his status as Pakistan’s rising star.

South Africa’s struggles under white-ball coach Rob Walter continue, with just two series wins in six attempts since February 2023. With the Champions Trophy looming, the hosts face significant challenges, including top-order inconsistencies and spin vulnerabilities.

The series win is a testament to Pakistan’s formidability in the 50-over format, with both bat and ball. As they eye the upcoming Champions Trophy, this series provides a blueprint for success. For South Africa, it’s back to the drawing board, with urgent fixes needed before their next big assignment.

Pakistan’s historic victory at the Wanderers will be remembered as a watershed moment in their ODI journey—a display of grit, talent, and dominance.