'Rare Win' - Fans hail Pakistan in ODI for win against South Africa

Pakistan completed a historic clean sweep against South Africa in the three-match series, winning the third ODI in Johannesburg despite the rain. On December 22, Mohammad Rizwan's Pakistan accomplished a historic first by defeating South Africa in a bilateral ODI series at home. At the legendary Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, a 36-run triumph (DLS method) completed the outstanding 3-0 victory.

With a spectacular century up the order, youthful opener Saim Ayub led the charge as the visitors dominated every aspect of the match. While players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Salman Agha put up strong efforts to assist their team score 308 runs, Saim Ayub maintained his outstanding form at the top, scoring a remarkable century.

Pakistan in ODI creates history:

A STAR IS BORN IN PAKISTAN BATTING...!!!!

- Hundred from just 91 balls in South Africa against Rabada & Co, A knock to remember in Pakistan cricket. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/HArRx8cDY9

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 22, 2024

Putting it in the style of Bob Willis, that is one of the most significant wins in the history of Pakistan cricket.

Captain Rizwan led PCT becomes the first cricket team ever to whitewash South Africa in South Africa in bilaterals. A remarkable achievement.

Scoreline 3-0 pic.twitter.com/UECB8ebV7i

— Zubair Shakeel Wani (@ZubiTalks) December 22, 2024

Thank you, Jinnah. We've got Shaheen Shah Afridi in the Pakistan team, not Bumrah.🇵🇰🤩 #PAKvsSA pic.twitter.com/JXJ7HyvZdv

— Sheraxii Tweets (@i__mAfridi) December 22, 2024

"Dominance on display! Well done, Team Pakistan! 🇵🇰👏 #SAvPAK"

— Words Of Guidance (@GuidanceWords) December 22, 2024

Congratulations team pakistan!! Good signs ahead of champions trophy!!💙🙏

— Sher Ahmad Siyal (@Sherahmadsiyal) December 22, 2024

Ayub, 22, maintained his outstanding form by smashing 101 runs off of just 94 balls. Two key partnerships, including 114 runs with Babar Azam (52 off 71) for the second wicket and 93 runs with captain Rizwan (53 off 52) for the third, helped Ayub anchor Pakistan's batting early in the innings.

The Proteas, who were chasing 308, suffered early setbacks when Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi dismissed the openers. Heinrich Klaasen's 81 off 43 balls, which included 12 fours and two sixes, demonstrated his dominance at the bat once more. South Africa's chase was cut short, though, when Afridi dismissed him in the 29th over. The opposition bowlers, especially Sufiyan Muqeem (4/52), made sure the hosts failed, finally being routed for 271 in 42 overs despite debutant Corbin Bosch's (40*) attempts to lead the bottom order.

Earlier in the match, Pakistan reached 300 thanks to a patchy bowling performance by South Africa and a lacklustre fielding effort. South Africa performed well with the new balls but lost the lead as the match was cut short to 47 overs per side due to two weather delays.  Watch this space for more cricket news.