Saim Ayub delivered a stellar performance for Pakistan, cementing his place among cricketing elites with a match-winning century in the third ODI against South Africa in Johannesburg. His heroics led Pakistan to a 3-0 series win, marking the first-ever whitewash of South Africa on their home turf in an ODI series.
Ayub’s Brilliant Knock
Batting first, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 308/9 in their allotted 47 overs. Ayub was the standout performer, smashing 101 runs off 94 balls, an innings that included 13 boundaries and two sixes. This was Ayub’s second century of the series, further showcasing his form and talent.
In response, South Africa managed only 271 runs in 42 overs, falling short in the rain-adjusted 47-over game. Sufiyan Muqeem took four wickets, while Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah picked up two each, sealing Pakistan’s victory by 36 runs via the DLS method.
Joining an Elite Club
Ayub’s remarkable performance placed him in an exclusive group of visiting players with multiple centuries in a bilateral ODI series in South Africa. This list includes cricketing stalwarts like David Warner, Fakhar Zaman, and Joe Root, all with two centuries each in South Africa. Virat Kohli and Kevin Pietersen top the chart with three centuries in their respective series.
Post-Match Reactions
Declared both Player of the Match and Player of the Series, Ayub expressed gratitude for his team’s support. “This win is very special for me because it’s a team effort. As a young player, I try to learn from every game and correct my mistakes with the help of seniors,” Ayub said.
Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, lauded his team’s collective efforts. “It’s a proud moment for us. The team performed consistently, especially in the second ODI, where everyone contributed. Playing abroad is always challenging, but the trust among the players made this possible. Saim Ayub has immense talent, and we believe in him,” Rizwan remarked.
A Historic Achievement
The series saw Pakistan register victories in all three matches. They clinched the first ODI by three wickets, followed by an 81-run win in the second. The third ODI, sealed by Ayub’s heroics and disciplined bowling, completed the historic whitewash.
This remarkable achievement not only underscores Pakistan’s dominance in the series but also highlights the emergence of young talents like Ayub, who are shaping the future of Pakistani cricket.
