Johannesburg: In a stellar display of talent, rising star Saim Ayub powered Pakistan to a comprehensive 36-run victory over South Africa, securing a clean sweep in the three-match ODI series. The match, played at the iconic Wanderers Stadium, saw Ayub’s brilliance with the bat once again steal the spotlight.
Ayub’s Century Leads the Way
The 22-year-old left-handed opener smashed his second century of the series and his third in just five innings, scoring an exquisite 101 off 94 balls. His innings, studded with 13 fours and two sixes, laid the foundation for Pakistan’s competitive total of 308 for nine in the rain-affected 47-over match.
Ayub’s remarkable form continued after a stellar 113* against Zimbabwe last month and 109 in the series opener against South Africa. Complementing his aggressive stroke play, Ayub showcased his ability to adapt to various game situations.
Key Partnerships
Despite losing his opening partner Abdullah Shafique for a duck—his third consecutive failure—Ayub remained unperturbed. He forged crucial partnerships, first with Babar Azam (52 runs) for a 114-run stand and later with skipper Mohammad Rizwan (53 runs) in a 93-run partnership. His audacious shot-making kept the scoreboard ticking, even as South Africa’s bowlers struggled to contain him.
Ayub’s innings came to an end when he attempted a cheeky flick against debutant Corbin Bosch and was caught behind. Bosch, filling in for an injury-hit South African pace attack, made an impressive debut.
South Africa’s Chase Falls Short
Pursuing a revised target of 308, South Africa leaned on Heinrich Klaasen, who blazed his way to a quick 81 from 43 deliveries. Klaasen kept the hosts in the hunt with his aggressive hitting but fell to Shaheen Shah Afridi, caught on the boundary in the 29th over with the total at 194. His dismissal marked the turning point as South Africa’s innings faltered.
For the third consecutive match, Klaasen was the lone South African to score a half-century, highlighting the team’s over-reliance on him in the series.
Ayub’s All-Round Contribution
Ayub’s heroics didn’t end with the bat. The young all-rounder also delivered a tidy bowling spell, taking 1 for 34 in his 10 overs. His wicket of David Miller, achieved with his mix of off-spin and carrom balls, proved pivotal. Ayub’s economical spell was the most effective of the match, further underlining his value to the team.
A Glorious Series for Pakistan
Pakistan’s clean sweep against South Africa is a testament to the team’s all-round strength and Saim Ayub’s emergence as a future star. With consistent performances across formats, Ayub has firmly established himself as a vital cog in Pakistan’s lineup.
As Pakistan celebrate their dominant series victory, Saim Ayub’s stunning form promises a bright future for the young cricketer and his national team.
