News Sports # Saim Ayub's azeem December 24, 2024 0 Comments

Pakistan’s Historic Whitewash in Saim Ayub’s Ton and Muqeem’s Four-Fur Seal

Saim Ayub’s sensational second century in three games propelled Pakistan to a 3-0 series victory against South Africa. Under Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy, the team was the first to whitewash South Africa in a bilateral ODI series at home.

The rain-affected third ODI, reduced to 47 overs per side, saw Pakistan dominate with both bat and ball, culminating in a 36-run win via the DLS method.

A Rainy Start and a Challenging Pitch

Pakistan was put into bat in overcast, pace-friendly conditions after rain delayed the toss. The team faced early challenges. Opener Abdullah Shafique registered his third consecutive duck in the series, leaving the team vulnerable initially. However, Saim Ayub and skipper Babar Azam steadied the innings, showcasing resilience against South Africa’s bowling attack.

Ayub and Babar Lead the Fightback

The duo added a formidable 114-run partnership for the second wicket, navigating a 75-minute rain delay. Babar Azam reached his fifty with a powerful pull shot but fell shortly after, trying to replicate the stroke against Kwena Maphaka. Pakistan’s innings gained momentum despite the loss as Mohammad Rizwan joined Ayub at the crease.

Rizwan’s Impact and Ayub’s Third Century

Rizwan injected energy into the innings with a fluent 48-ball fifty, punishing South Africa’s bowlers in the middle overs. Ayub and Rizwan added 93 runs, setting a strong platform for Pakistan.

Ayub brought up his second century of the series with a sublime cut shot off Aiden Markram but departed soon after, handing debutant Corbin Bosch his maiden international wicket.

Late Contributions Push Pakistan to 308

Pakistan faced setbacks with the quick dismissals of Kamran Ghulam and Rizwan, courtesy of Bjorn Fortuin’s twin strikes. However, Salman Agha and Tayyab Tahir steadied the innings, contributing a quick-fire 74-run partnership. Their aggressive stroke play included five fours and three sixes, pushing Pakistan’s total beyond 300.

Despite impressive spells from Marco Jansen (2-58) and Kagiso Rabada (3-56), the inexperience of Maphaka and Bosch allowed Pakistan to capitalize on key moments.

South Africa’s Rocky Start in the Chase

South Africa’s chase got off to a poor start, losing both openers within the first seven overs. Temba Bavuma fell to a sharp catch at point off Naseem Shah, while Shaheen Afridi dismissed Tony de Zorzi with a rearing delivery.

Aiden Markram’s promising innings ended prematurely when debutant Sufiyan Muqeem claimed his first ODI wicket with his very first ball. To see all cricket updates visit betpro exchange login.

South Africa’s chase began on a disastrous note as they lost both openers within the first seven overs, putting them on the back foot early in the innings. Temba Bavuma was the first to fall, caught at the point of a sharp delivery from Naseem Shah.

Shortly after, Shaheen Afridi dismissed Tony de Zorzi with a rising delivery that the batter could only lob back for a simple caught-and-bowled.

The early dismissals exposed South Africa’s middle order far sooner than anticipated, leaving them struggling to build momentum in the face of Pakistan’s relentless bowling attack.

Klaasen’s Heroics and South Africa’s Resistance

Amid the collapse, Heinrich Klaasen launched a counterattack, scoring a 29-ball fifty. His aggressive batting included hitting Shaheen Afridi for four consecutive boundaries and a six. Klaasen’s fireworks kept South Africa’s hopes alive, but Afridi eventually dismissed the dangerous batter with a short ball.

Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller showed glimpses of resistance but were undone by sharp deliveries from Mohammad Hasnain and Rizwan’s excellent glovework.

Muqeem Shines on Debut

Debutant Sufiyan Muqeem was pivotal in dismantling South Africa’s middle and lower order. The young spinner finished with a four-wicket haul, including the crucial final two wickets off consecutive balls. His impactful performance ensured South Africa fell short of the target, despite Bosch’s valiant unbeaten 40.

A Historic Achievement for Pakistan

The match concluded with South Africa bowled out for 271 in 42 overs. Pakistan’s 36-run victory secured the series whitewash and highlighted the team’s depth and determination. Saim Ayub’s remarkable form, combined with contributions from Rizwan, Babar, and the debutant Muqeem, underscored Pakistan’s dominance.