The thrilling PAK vs SA ODI series 2025 ended in spectacular fashion as Pakistan defeated South Africa 2-1 to lift the trophy. Pakistan outperformed South Africa with bat and ball to win by seven wickets in the important third ODI, dominating from beginning to end. Saim Ayub’s elegant 77-run knock and Abrar Ahmed’s fiery four-wicket spell helped the home team to a decisive series win.
This victory demonstrated Pakistan’s increasing power and self-assurance in ODI cricket, particularly in advance of future international competitions. Early in the series, South Africa displayed flashes of brilliance, but when it counted most, they were unable to stop Pakistan’s incisive spin attack.
Match Summary: Pakistan Crush South Africa in the Decider
The final match of the PAK vs SA ODI series unfolded under bright skies and ideal cricketing conditions. After winning the toss, South Africa decided to bat first, but Pakistan’s bowlers soon took charge. Pakistan’s well-organized attack continued to hit at regular intervals, making it difficult for the visitors to gain momentum. South Africa was reduced to 143 runs in 37.5 overs as Abrar Ahmed tore through the middle order, taking four vital wickets.
Pakistan responded by making the pursuit appear simple. Mohammad Rizwan led the innings with an undefeated 32. While Saim Ayub smashed a fluid 77. With seven wickets remaining, Pakistan easily crossed the finish line in 25.1 overs thanks to a stylish 27 from Babar Azam. Pakistan completed an outstanding all-around performance in the ODI series with this resounding victory, securing the series 2-1 and solidifying their supremacy at home.
Toss and Pitch Conditions
On a dry pitch that was expected to turn later in the day, South Africa won the toss and decided to bat first in the final ODI of the PAK vs SA series. The pacers had some early movement on the surface, but as the game progressed, it started to grip and spin, which was ideal for Pakistan’s spin-heavy attack.
Clean timing was rewarded by the fast outfield, and the weather remained sunny and bright. However, the pitch significantly slowed down as the overs went. Making it harder for South African batters to score runs and making it harder to play with fluid strokes.
South Africa’s Innings:
South Africa got off to a strong start when they chose to bat first, and their openers established a reliable 72-run partnership. But after Lhuan-dre Pretorius was fired by Salman Ali Agha, the tide turned decisively in Pakistan’s favor.
Quinton de Kock, South Africa’s most dependable player, appeared to be in excellent form with a cool 53 runs. But a dramatic collapse was caused by his dismissal of Mohammad Nawaz’s spin. Abrar Ahmed quickly took over after Matthew Breetzke (16) attempted to rebuild. He dominated the middle order, causing chaos in the South African lineup with his skillful blending of leg breaks and googlies.
With two wickets apiece and consistent pressure on the visitors, Salman Ali Agha, Nawaz, and Shaheen Afridi provided him with excellent support. On a pitch that required focus and discipline, South Africa ultimately collapsed for 143 in 37.5 overs, a total that was far below par.
Top scorers for South Africa:
- Quinton de Kock: 53 runs
- Lhuan-dre Pretorius: 39 runs
- Matthew Breetzke: 16 runs
Pakistan’s Bowling Figures:
- Abrar Ahmed: 4/27 (10 overs)
- Salman Ali Agha: 2/18 (4 overs)
- Mohammad Nawaz: 2/31 (9 overs)
- Shaheen Shah Afridi: 2/18 (4.5 overs)
Pakistan’s Chase:
Pakistan got off to a fast start, chasing 144. From the first over, despite losing Fakher Zaman. Saim Ayub, who opened the innings, batted with assurance and power, timing the ball beautifully. He demonstrated his increasing maturity and fearlessness at the international level with his clean strokes on both sides of the wicket. Before an unlucky run-out ended his stay, Babar Azam added 27 runs and anchored the innings with his typical class. Pakistan had already strengthened their hold on the game by that point.
Saim Ayub continued to attack, punishing loose deliveries and easily reaching his half-century. With his brilliant drives and strong pulls, he took the game away from South Africa with a score of 77 off 70 balls. Following Saim’s dismissal, Mohammad Rizwan completed the task with composure, leading Pakistan to victory without making any mistakes and remaining undefeated at 32.
Pakistan cruised to 144/3 in just 25.1 overs, sealing both the match and the PAK vs SA ODI series 2-1 in front of an ecstatic home crowd.
Top scorers for Pakistan:
- Saim Ayub: 77 runs (70 balls)
- Mohammad Rizwan: 32* runs (45 balls)
- Babar Azam: 27 runs (32 balls)
Player of the Match and Series
- Player of the Match: Abrar Ahmed 4/27 (10 overs)
- Player of the Series: Quinton de Kock earned recognition for his consistent batting and sharp wicketkeeping throughout the series.
The game was altered by Abrar Ahmed’s spell. In a performance that highlighted the team’s increasing strength in spin bowling, he read the conditions flawlessly, attacked with assurance, and delivered when Pakistan most needed him. Quinton de Kock, on the other hand, remained a dependable player for South Africa throughout the series.
Conclusion:
Pakistan demonstrated their all-around strength, astute captaincy, and poise under duress in their 2-1 victory over South Africa in the PAK vs SA ODI series. With established players like Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi consistently producing and Saim Ayub emerging as a rising star, the team achieved the ideal balance between youth and experience.
Conversely, South Africa failed to seize important opportunities. They lost the series as a result of their frequent batting errors and wasted opportunities. In crucial situations, they were unable to match Pakistan’s bowling power and batting depth despite Quinton de Kock’s outstanding performance.
This series victory gave Pakistan much-needed confidence in advance of more difficult international tasks. While the batting lineup blended aggression and control, Abrar Ahmed led the bowling attack with vigor and accuracy, demonstrating his ability to win games on spin-friendly pitches. Pakistan’s supremacy in the last ODI ultimately mirrored the narrative of the entire series: incisive bowling, unafraid batting, and complete control from beginning to end.