Pakistan Clinch Historic ODI Series Win Over South Africa With Seven-Wicket Victory

Posted : 09 November 2025

Pakistan sealed their first home series victory against South Africa after a dominant performance in the third and deciding ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, winning by seven wickets. The hosts restricted the tourists to a modest 143 in 37.5 overs, before chasing the target in 25.1 overs thanks to Saim Ayub’s composed 77.

Legspinner Abrar Ahmed starred with a career-best 4-27, ripping through South Africa’s middle order. He was ably supported by left-arm spinners Salman Agha (2 wickets) and Mohammad Nawaz (2 wickets), while left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi finished the innings with two late strikes, highlighting Pakistan’s spin dominance on the dry, well-worn pitch.

South Africa’s innings started promisingly with a 72-run opening stand between Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Quinton de Kock, but de Kock departed for 53 from 70 balls after being trapped lbw by Nawaz. The middle order crumbled under Abrar’s leg-spin, with Rubin Hermann, Donovan Ferreira, and Corbin Bosch all clean bowled, leaving the Proteas struggling at 117 for six.

Captain Matthew Breetzke tried to stabilize the innings, but successive dismissals saw South Africa collapse to 130 for eight, and Shaheen Afridi cleaned up the tail, including Lungi Ngidi first ball. Spinner-dominated bowling left the visitors reeling and Pakistan well ahead.

During the chase, Pakistan stumbled briefly when Fakhar Zaman was bowled second ball and Babar Azam was run out for 27. However, Saim Ayub’s 77 from 70 balls guided the chase expertly. Despite getting out with 14 runs still required, Ayub had already done the bulk of the work, and Pakistan comfortably secured victory and the series.

The win marks Pakistan’s first ODI series triumph over South Africa at home in five attempts. South Africa now turn their focus to the upcoming two-Test series in India, starting in Kolkata on Friday.

Pakistan XI: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf

South Africa XI: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Quinton de Kock (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke (capt), Donovan Ferreira, Rubin Hermann, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, Nqabayomzi Peter

Pakistan Clinch Historic ODI Series Win Over South Africa With Seven-Wicket Victory

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