Abrar Ahmed’s brilliant bowling and a fluent half-century from Saim Ayub guided Pakistan to a comprehensive seven-wicket win over South Africa at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium, securing a 2-1 series win for the hosts in Shaheen Shah Afridi’s first assignment as ODI captain.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, South Africa initially built a solid 72-run opening partnership. However, the introduction of spin proved decisive. Salman Ali Agha broke the stand, removing Lhuan-dre Pretorius for 39.
🏆 Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi lifts trophy! First series as skipper and Pakistan emerge victorious 🇵🇰 #PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/gr8jTgXcL2
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 8, 2025The collapse began in earnest when Mohammad Nawaz trapped the top-scoring Quinton de Kock (53) lbw. From that point, Abrar Ahmed took centre stage. The mystery spinner clean-bowled debutant Rubin Hermann and then delivered a devastating double-wicket maiden, dismissing Donovan Ferreira and Corbin Bosch on consecutive deliveries.
Skipper Shaheen Afridi then cleaned up the tail, bundling South Africa out for a meagre 143 in the 38th over. Abrar finished with a career-best 4-27, while Nawaz, Agha, and Shaheen claimed two wickets each.
Read: De Kock’s Century Powers South Africa to Decisive Win Over Pakistan, Levels Series
In response, Pakistan chased down the 144-run target with ease, losing only three wickets and finishing the match with 24.5 overs to spare.
🇵🇰 Pakistan win the ODI series 2-1! First-ever home series victory against South Africa 🏆#PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/lieRap68wR
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 8, 2025Opening batter Saim Ayub was the star of the chase, anchoring the innings with a commanding 77 from 70 balls. His knock, adorned with 11 fours and a six, was his third ODI half-century.
He built crucial partnerships throughout the innings, first adding 64 runs with Babar Azam (27) and then a 65-run stand with the unbeaten Mohammad Rizwan (32*) to guide Pakistan to a resounding victory.
For his match-winning spell, Abrar Ahmed was named Player of the Match. Despite being on the losing side, South Africa’s Quinton de Kock was awarded Player of the Series for his consistent performances.
Scores in Brief:
- South Africa: 143 all out in 37.5 overs (de Kock 53; Abrar 4-27)
- Pakistan: 144-3 in 25.1 overs (Ayub 77, Rizwan 32*)
- Result: Pakistan won by 7 wickets
- Series: Pakistan won the 3-match series 2-1
