Pakistan won the three-match ODI series 2-1

on

 

✅ Series outcome & milestones

  • Pakistan won the three-match ODI series 2-1, with wins in the 1st and 3rd ODIs.

  • The decider (3rd ODI) marked Pakistan’s first ever ODI series win over South Africa at home. 

  • The 3rd match win was also Pakistan’s biggest ODI win over South Africa in terms of balls remaining.

  • 🎯 Key match moments

    • 1st ODI: Pakistan chased down 264/8 (49.4 overs) vs South Africa’s 263. Pakistan won by 2 wickets with two balls to spare.

    • 2nd ODI: South Africa bounced back strongly, with Quinton de Kock scoring 123, guiding SA to an easy win and leveling the series. 

    • 3rd ODI: Pakistan bowled SA out for just 143, then chased down 144 inside 26 overs. Stand-outs: Abrar Ahmed’s spell of 4/27 and Saim Ayub’s 77 runs. 


    • 🧍 Key performers


      • Saim Ayub: Provided a crucial batting spark in the decider with 77.

      • Abrar Ahmed: His leg-spin dismantled the South African batting line-up in the 3rd ODI. 

      • Quinton de Kock (SA): A lone major batting contribution for South Africa in the 2nd ODI.

      • 📌 What this means


        • The win gives Pakistan momentum and a confidence boost — especially meaningful given the home series win over a strong opponent.

        • South Africa showed vulnerability: after a strong 2nd ODI, their batting collapsed in the decider and couldn’t translate that momentum.

        • For Pakistan: emerging players (Ayub, Abrar) stepping up; shows depth beyond just senior stars.


      • 1st ODI (Nov 4, 2025 — at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad)



    • South Africa batted first, scoring 263 all out in 49.1 overs. 

      • Top contributions: Lhuan‑dre Pretorius 57 off 60, Quinton de Kock 63 off 71.

      • Pakistan bowlers: Naseem Shah 3 wickets, Abrar Ahmed 3 wickets. 

    • Pakistan chased 264/8 in 49.4 overs, winning by 2 wickets with just 2 balls to spare. 

      • Key innings: Salman Agha – recognised Man of the Match. 

      • Also, Mohammad Rizwan contributed with 55. 

    • Turning point: Pakistan’s ability to hold their nerve in the chase after a good SA total; the bowlers had set it up by breaking partnerships.


    • Implication: Pakistan start the series 1-0 up — momentum shifts in their favour.


    • 2nd ODI (Nov 6, 2025 — Faisalabad)


    • Pakistan batted first: 269/9 in their 50 overs. 

      • Contributions: Salman Agha 69 (106 balls), Mohammad Nawaz 59 (59 balls). 

    • South Africa chased down the target: 270/2 in 40.1 overs => won by 8 wickets (59 balls remaining). 

      • Huge innings: Quinton de Kock scored 123* off 119.

      • Partnership: de Kock & Tony de Zorzi had a 153-run second-wicket stand. 

      • Turning point: South Africa’s openers took charge early and neutralised Pakistan’s bowling attack; Pakistan’s bowlers couldn’t break the stand until too late.

    • Implication: Series leveled 1-1 — momentum swings back to South Africa, setting up decider.


    • 3rd ODI (Nov 8, 2025 — Faisalabad)



    • South Africa batted first and were dismissed for 143 in 37.5 overs. 

      • Key bowling: Abrar Ahmed 4/27, Shaheen Afridi 2/18, Mohammad Nawaz 2/18. 

    • Pakistan chased the target in 25.1 overs, scoring 144/3 => won by 7 wickets (149 balls remaining). 

      • Top batting performance: Saim Ayub 77 runs. 

    • Turning point: Pakistan’s spin-bowling (especially Abrar) dismantled South Africa’s middle order, and the low first-innings total meant Pakistan had a very comfortable chase.

    • Implication: Pakistan clinch the series 2-1. A strong statement win.



    • ✅ Series summary & key take-aways

      • Final series result: Pakistan 2, South Africa 1.

      • Pakistan won the first and third ODIs; South Africa dominated the second.

      • Momentum: Pakistan took early lead, SA responded, but Pakistan finished strongly.

      • Key performers:

        • For Pakistan: Salman Agha (1st ODI), Saim Ayub (77 in decider), Abrar Ahmed (4/27 in decider).

        • For South Africa: Quinton de Kock (123 in 2nd ODI) showed his class.

      • Bowling vs batting: The decider showed how effective Pakistani spin was in home conditions.

      • Significance: The ability to win the decider shows Pakistan’s temperament; South Africa will reflect on the collapse in the final game.



Comments

Post a Comment