KEY POINTS
- South Africa bowled out for 143 in 37.5 overs.
- Quinton de Kock top-scored with 53 runs.
- Abrar Ahmed shines with 4 wickets for 27 runs.
- Shaheen Afridi, Agha, and Nawaz claimed two wickets each.
- South Africa’s collapse saw them lose eight wickets for just 37 runs.
FAISALABAD, Pakistan: Abrar Ahmed’s sensational four-wicket performance led Pakistan to a commanding position in the third and final ODI against South Africa at Iqbal Stadium on Saturday, as the visitors were bowled out for a paltry 143.
South Africa’s decision to bat first after winning the toss backfired as they were reduced to just 143 runs in 37.5 overs.
The Proteas, who began their innings with some promise, collapsed spectacularly in the second half of their innings, losing their last eight wickets for a mere 37 runs.
Experienced opener Quinton de Kock provided some resistance with a steady half-century, scoring 53 runs off 70 balls, including six fours and a six.
His partnership with Lhuan-dre Pretorius (39 off 45 balls), which yielded 72 runs for the first wicket, was the only bright spot for South Africa.
However, Pretorius was dismissed by Salman Ali Agha in the 15th over, and soon after, de Kock’s departure to Mohammad Nawaz in the 25th over spelled the beginning of a disastrous collapse.
After de Kock’s exit, the Proteas crumbled under pressure, with captain Matthew Breetzke (16) and Nqabayomzi Peter (16) the only other players to reach double figures.
Abrar Ahmed was the standout bowler for Pakistan, claiming four wickets for just 27 runs in his 10 overs, ripping through South Africa’s lower order.
Supporting Abrar’s efforts, Pakistan’s skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Ali Agha, and Mohammad Nawaz each took two wickets, contributing to a dominant bowling display that saw the visitors bowled out well before reaching the 150-run mark.
With the Proteas’ innings over, Pakistan will look to chase down the modest total and secure a series win.
The collapse of South Africa’s middle and lower order, sparked by Abrar’s brilliance, has placed Pakistan in a commanding position heading into the second half of the match.
