Pakistan opener Saim Ayub continued his stunning form with a match-winning century, scoring 101 runs off 94 balls as Pakistan completed a series clean sweep over South Africa in the third One-Day International (ODI) at the Wanderers Stadium on Sunday.
The match was reduced to 47 overs per side due to rain, and despite a spirited chase by South Africa, the hosts were bowled out for 271 in 42 overs, falling 36 runs short.
Ayub’s century, his second of the series, propelled him into an exclusive group of overseas batters who have scored multiple ODI centuries in South Africa.
Alongside Ayub, Virat Kohli, David Warner, Fakhar Zaman, and Joe Root have achieved the same feat, while Kevin Pietersen and Kohli have three centuries in South Africa.
Ayub’s performance helped Pakistan become the first team to whitewash South Africa in an ODI series on their home soil.
After losing Abdullah Shafique early, Ayub formed key partnerships with Babar Azam (52) and Mohammad Rizwan (53), putting on 114 for the second wicket and 93 for the third.
His knock was filled with aggressive strokeplay, including 13 boundaries and two sixes. Ayub’s innings came to an end when he was caught behind off debutant Corbin Bosch, but his efforts laid the foundation for Pakistan’s dominant total.
In response, Heinrich Klaasen top-scored for South Africa with a quick-fire 81 off 43 balls, while debutant Bosch remained unbeaten on 40.
However, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Sufiyan Muqeem (4/52), kept the hosts in check, dismissing them for 271.
With this victory, Pakistan completed a clean sweep, winning the three-match series 3-0 after a thrilling 81-run victory in the second ODI and a three-wicket win in the opening match.