3rd ODI: Fakhar Zaman heroics help Pakistan to setup new Asian record

Pakistan became only the 2nd touring team after Australia to win at least 2 bilateral ODI series against South Africa in South Africa. Fakhar Zaman’s brilliant 101 and captain Babar Azam’s quickfire 94 helped Pakistan beat South Africa by 28 runs in the 3rd ODI at the SuperSport Park in Centurion on Wednesday. With the win, the visitors sealed the 3-match ODI series 2-1.

Pakistan were the first Asian side to beat South Africa in a bilateral ODI series in South Africa when a Misbah-ul-Haq-led side won a 3-match series 2-1. By emulating the result from 8 years ago, Babar Azam-led Pakistan have become the first Asian side to win 2 bilateral ODI series against the Proteas at their own backyard. Notably, India are the only other visiting Asian team to beat South Africa — 5-1 win in 2018.

South Africa vs Pakistan, 3rd ODI: Highlights

Opening batsman Fakhar Zaman made sure his hundred resulted in a win for Pakistan on Wednesday. Days after getting out for 193, Fakhar carried his good form into the crucial series decider as he slammed 101 from 104 balls. Captain Babar Azam hit an 82-ball 94 as he provided the late impetus to help Pakistan post a challenging total of 320.

It was an innings where Fakhar stamped his authority and proved the Johannesburg masterclass was not a one-off thing. Fakhar suffered a heartbreak on Sunday as he was run-out, 7 runs short of a well-deserved double hundred, which could have been his 2nd in ODI cricket. Fakhar was deceived by Quinton de Kock who has been accused of ‘fake fielding’ as the South Africa wicketkeeper’s tactics led to a social media debate.

However, Fakhar seemed to have put behind the run-out row to play a crucial hand in the series decider. The left-handed opener hit 3 sixes and as many as 9 boundaries as he stitched a 112-run opening stand with Imam-ul-Haq. Captain Babar was at his fluent best as he upped the ante with 3 sixes and 7 boundaries, helping Pakistan’s tally go past 300.

Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz deliver for Pakistan South Africa lacked firepower both in the bowling and batting department as they made as many as 7 changes following the departure of their Indian Premier League-bound stars — a list that included the likes of Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi.

While the inexperienced bowling attack leaked as many as 65 runs in the last 5 overs, their batting unit crumbled against the firepower of the Pakistan attack. South Africa were reduced to 140 for 5 despite a fine 70 from opener Janneman Malan.

Kyle Verreynne and Andile Phehlukwayo took the fight to the Pakistan bowling attack by adding 108 runs in just 99 balls for the 6th wicket but it was not enough as Pakistan held their nerves to defend the 320-run total.

For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi and left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz delivered with the ball, picking up 6 wickets between them. Leg-spinner Usman Qadir was miserly while Haris Rauf chipped in with 2 wickets.

Having won the ODI series, Pakistan will have their tails up when they take on the hosts in a 4-match T20i series, starting April 10. No prize for guessing! Without their established stars, South Africa will not start favourites against Babar’s men.