December 23, Johannesburg, South Africa: Following a 36-run victory at Johannesburg on Sunday, Pakistan defeated South Africa in a historic clean sweep series thanks to a stroke-filled third ODI century from daring left-hander Saim Ayub, as well as excellent bowling performances from spinner Sufiyan Muqeem and pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, according to ICC Cricket.

Coming to Proteas after a historic ODI series victory in Australia after twenty years is undoubtedly a confidence boost for Pakistan. Proteas had never lost a complete sweep in an ODI series at home before this 0–3 setback.

After winning the toss, South Africa chose to bowl first. Together with four other wicket-takers, Ayub finished the series with his second century (101 in 94 balls, with 13 fours and two sixes), continuing his impressive record in international cricket, especially in one-day internationals. He also claimed 1/34 with the ball.

After opening batsman Abdullah Shafique was removed while facing his first delivery, Pakistan got off to a shaky start. With a dominant 115-run stand, Saim and Babar Azam, the top-ranked ODI batsman in the ICC, stabilized the innings.

After 71 balls and seven fours, Babar’s outstanding 52-run knock came to an end. This provided a foundation for captain Mohammad Rizwan, who scored 53 off 52 (five fours and a six) and formed a strong 93-run partnership with Ayub.

Corbin Bosch’s deft delivery gave Heinrich Klaasen an edge behind the stumps, ending Ayub’s brilliant third ODI century. Salman Agha (48 in 33 balls, with three fours and two sixes) and Tayyab Tahir (28 in 24 balls, with two fours and a six) added late runs to help Pakistan reach a respectable total of 308/9.

Proteas’ best bowler was Kagiso Rabada, who took 3/56 in 10 overs. Bjorn Fortuin and Marco Jansen each claimed two wickets.

Even though Pakistan got off to a fast start in the reply, reaching 24/0 in the opening three overs, Temba Bavuma (8) dismissed Saim at point after a fast Naseem Shah (2/63).

After losing Tony de Zorzi (26 in 23 balls, with two fours and two sixes), Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen (35 in 52 balls, with four boundaries and a six) attempted to rebuild, but Markram (19 in 26 balls, with three fours) was taken as one of Muqeem’s four wickets.

Heinrich Klaasen (81 in 43 balls, with 12 fours and two sixes) steadied the ship for Proteas after Rassie and David Miller fell. He had a 71-run partnership with Marco Jansen until Shaheen (2/70) removed the in-form right-hander. Klaasen’s innings was his third consecutive fifty.

In addition to dismissing the counterattacking Jansen (26 off 23 balls with two fours and two sixes), Muqeem (4/52 off eight overs) came back to clear up the Proteas tail for 271 runs at the 42-over mark to secure the triumph.

The ‘Player of the Match’ and ‘Player of the Series’ honors went to Ayub.