Saim Ayub's 77-run knock guided Pakistan to a seven-wicket victory in the third ODI against South Africa in Faisalabad, securing the series 2-1. The Proteas collapsed after a promising start to post 143 all out. Pakistan chased the target with 149 balls to spare.
South Africa won the toss and chose to bat first in the decisive third One-Day International on Saturday in Faisalabad. They began strongly with a 72-run opening partnership between Quinton de Kock, who scored 53, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who made 39. However, the innings unraveled as the Proteas lost their next nine wickets for just 71 runs, folding for 143 all out in 37.5 overs.
Pakistan's spinners dominated the middle order. Abrar Ahmed claimed career-best figures of 4-27, including his first three wickets all bowled through his variations that gripped the surface. Salman Agha took 2-18, and Mohammad Nawaz finished with 2-31, squeezing the scoring rate effectively.
In reply, Pakistan lost opener Fakhar Zaman for a duck in the first over, his second successive failure. But Saim Ayub anchored the chase with 77 off 70 balls, supported by Babar Azam's 27 and Mohammad Rizwan's unbeaten 32. The home side reached 144-3 with 149 deliveries remaining, easing to victory.
This result gives Pakistan a 2-1 series win. Looking ahead, Pakistan starts a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, while South Africa remains on the subcontinent for a two-match Test series against India beginning Friday.