Emerging talent Saim Ayub secured his second century of the series — and his third in five innings — as Pakistan achieved a complete series victory over South Africa in the third one-day international at the Wanderers Stadium on Sunday.
The left-handed opener Ayub delivered a brilliant 101 from 94 deliveries, contributing to Pakistan’s total of 308 for nine.
For South Africa, Heinrich Klaasen scored an aggressive 81 from 43 balls — however, the home team fell short by 36 runs whilst pursuing an adjusted target of 308. Rain interference resulted in the match being shortened to 47 overs per side.
The 22-year-old Ayub had previously scored 113 not out against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo last month during the second one-day match, followed by 109 in the opening match against South Africa in Paarl last week.
Between his one-day appearances, he also achieved an unbeaten 98 in the second Twenty20 international against South Africa in Centurion.
Ayub received both the player of the match and player of the series accolades.
In a contrasting display, Abdullah Shafique recorded his third consecutive duck after Pakistan began their batting innings.
Ayub demonstrated remarkable control, executing shots across the ground whilst building substantial partnerships of 114 with Babar Azam (52) and 93 with skipper Mohammad Rizwan (53).
His innings concluded when he edged to the keeper off first-timer Corbin Bosch, attempting a bold leg-side stroke, after striking 13 boundaries and two maximums.
Bosch, whose father was the late international cricketer Tertius Bosch, earned his selection following injuries to South Africa’s pace department.
Klaasen maintained his consistency as the lone South African half-centurion for the third straight match. He maintained the required scoring rate until his dismissal at 194 in the 29th over, caught at square leg off Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Complementing his batting performance, Ayub delivered an efficient bowling spell, claiming 1-34 in his full quota of overs with his varied spin bowling. He secured the crucial wicket of David Miller and registered the match’s most economical figures.
