Pakistan's players celebrate following the third International cricket match between South Africa and Pakistan, at the Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. AP Photo/Themba Hadebe Pakistan's players celebrate following the third International cricket match between South Africa and Pakistan, at the Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. AP Photo/Themba Hadebe Pakistan defeat South Africa by 36 runs in the third ODI on Monday, December 23, at The Wanderers Stadium, becoming the first team to whitewash South Africa in a bilateral ODI series on their home turf. (Highlights | More Cricket News)
The match began under overcast skies, with rain causing delays and interruptions. The toss was postponed, and when it finally took place, South Africa opted to bowl first.
Pakistan's innings faced further disruptions, with a 15-minute delay at the start and a 75-minute rain break midway. Despite the interruptions, Pakistan posted 308 in 47 overs, leading to a revised target of 308 for South Africa—one run less than the original score.
Saim Ayub stole the spotlight with his second century of the series and the third in his nine-match ODI career, powering Pakistan to a total of 308 in 47 overs.
aov slotDebutant wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem impressed with figures of 4 for 52, once again challenging South Africa's proficiency against spin.
Heinrich Klaasen stood out as South Africa's lone warrior, smashing 81 off 43 balls and finishing the series as the top run-scorer with an impressive average of 88.00.
Despite his consistency, he found little support from the rest of the batting lineup. Debutant Corbin Bosch chipped in with a fighting 40 off 44 balls at No.8 in the final game, giving South Africa a glimmer of hope, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
The India-Pakistan hockey rivalry has lost its sheen in recent times. Hockey in Pakistan has been in a freefall for the last decade or so while Indians have made a tremendous comeback in the same time period. The two countries used to rule world hockey at one point and the seeds for it were sown during the British rule in India.
Mohammad Rizwan made 53 off 52 balls but was dismissed after top-edging Fortuin to short third, handing him a second wicket. Babar Azam contributed with 52 off 71 balls.
Ayub was rightfully crowned both Player of the Match and Player of the Series for his stellar performances throughout the serieslodi 646, showcasing brilliance with both bat and ball.
