Pakistan vs South Africa — 3rd ODI Detailed Report
Pakistan vs South Africa On 8 November 2025, in a rain-free day-night clash at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, Pakistan sealed the third and final ODI of their series against South Africa—winning by 7 wickets to take the series 2–1. ESPN.com+2ESPN+2
First Innings: South Africa’s Struggle
South Africa, after winning the toss, chose to bat but never got going as a complete batting collapse ensued. They were all out for 143 in 37.5 overs. ESPN.com+1
- Quinton de Kock top-scored with a gritty 53 off 70 balls, playing with composure but lacking big partnerships around him. Business Standard+1
- Lhuan‑dre Pretorius contributed 39 runs, but once the openers were gone, the rest of the lineup crumbled under pressure. Business Standard
- Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed was devastating with his leg-spin, finishing with 4 wickets for 27 runs in his full quota of 10 overs. ESPN.com
- Shaheen Shah Afridi also made a key impact, taking 2/18, keeping the pressure from the other end. ESPN.com
- Agha Salman joined the party too, contributing with important breakthroughs. Cricket World
Abrar’s spin bowling proved the turning point, as he ripped through South Africa’s middle and lower order to engineer a dramatic collapse. Cricket World
Pakistan’s Chase: Clinical and Confident
Chasing a modest 144, Pakistan made it look easy, reaching 144–3 in just 25.1 overs, winning with more than half the innings to spare. ESPN.com+2Cricbuzz+2
- Saim Ayub played a fluent and composed knock of 77 from 70 deliveries, anchoring the chase and accelerating when needed. ESPN.com+1
- Mohammad Rizwan was steady at the other end, finishing with 32 not out, ensuring the chase didn’t falter. ESPN.com
- Babar Azam made a decent contribution too, scoring 27 runs before being dismissed, but his presence in the innings helped stabilize things early on. Business Standard
Pakistan’s batsmen showed maturity and control, and after losing an early wicket, they never looked in trouble.
Turning Points & Analysis
- Abrar Ahmed’s Spell: His 4-wicket haul was the most decisive factor. On a slow, low Faisalabad pitch, his spin came through very well, and he exploited the conditions masterfully. ESPN.com
- Middle-Order Collapse: Post de Kock, South Africa’s batting lacked depth. The collapse from a promising 72/1 was dramatic. Cricket World
- Chasing Strategy: Pakistan’s approach to chase was controlled. They didn’t force the game but built up momentum steadily through meaningful partnerships.
- Pitch Behavior: The conditions helped spinners more than pace. Slow track, grip, and turn played a big role. ESPN
- Mental Strength: After losing a couple of early wickets, Pakistan didn’t panic. Ayub’s knock and Rizwan’s composure showed good temperament.
Key Performers
- Player of the Match: Abrar Ahmed (4/27) ESPN.com
- Star Batter: Saim Ayub for his match-winning 77
- Supporting Bowler: Shaheen Shah Afridi (2/18)
Significance & Implications
- This win means Pakistan clinched the series 2–1, a solid result on home turf. Cricket World
- It’s a big confidence boost for Pakistan’s young players — especially Ayub and Abrar — showing they can deliver in big moments.
- For South Africa, it’s a tough loss and raises questions about their ability to handle spin in subcontinent conditions.
- The performance also adds to the growing momentum of Pakistan in white-ball cricket, particularly their spin department.
Conclusion Pakistan vs South Africa
In the face of pressure, Pakistan delivered a clinching performance — smart bowling, composed batting, and calculated aggression. Abrar Ahmed spun a web around South Africa’s batters, and Saim Ayub’s aggressive yet controlled innings sealed the deal.
This 7-wicket win doesn’t just represent a series victory — it symbolizes the strength and depth of Pakistan’s young core. As they celebrate, the win sets a strong foundation for their next challenges and tours.
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