Afridi trumps Klaasen after Babar-Rizwan stand sets up Pakistan
Ghulam struck 63 off just 32 balls towards the end to help post series-sealing total
Ghulam struck 63 off just 32 balls towards the end to help post series-sealing total
Scorer: Ranjith P | Commentator: Rvel Zahid & Alan Gardner
That's it from us for tonight. On behalf of Alan Gardner and Ranjith P, this is Rvel Zahid signing off. Goodnight
Pakistan came out on top to seal the series and will now head to the Pink ODI in Johannesburg on 22nd December. They stayed ahead of the game by picking up key wickets at crucial moments while South Africa struggled to keep up and remained overly reliant on Heinrich Klaasen. The fragile tail didn't help their cause and their hopes dwindled once David Miller was dismissed. Pakistan's top and middle-order contributed brilliantly, working judiciously to post a competitive total. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan forged a crucial partnership, laying the foundation for the flamboyant Kamran Ghulam, who played a stunning knock of 63 off 32 balls--arguably the turning point of the game. In reply, South Africa's openers departed after getting starts and van der Dussen didn't add much to the total. They clawed back into the game with a partnership between Klaasen and Miller but the looming issue of their lack of batting depth ultimately cost them. Pakistan will be ecstatic with the series win and can take satisfaction from their preparations for the Champions Trophy
Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan Captain: Absolutely, it's a team game. All guys were involved, performed really well. The start from Saim Ayub was good for us, we needed momentum. If you look at Kamran Ghulam's innings, it was absolutely fantastic. We were looking for 300 but we got 300 plus, must give credit to him. I had trust on him but not like that, I have seen him play in Peshawar, in KPK region but that was something different. Start from Abrar, he gave us a wicket and there were good partnerships in bowling as well
Temba Bavuma, South Africa Captain: We had things under control in the first 25 overs but we let them express themselves in the last 25. We let the good work in the first 25 slip away. I would stick with my decision (toss). Those starts need to be converted it into big scores for the team
Kamran Ghulam: I'm so excited and really happy that we won the series.
This is Pakistan's fifth consecutive bilateral series win handshakes and warm hugs in Pakistan's camp. Smiles all-around. They deserve all the appreciation. Let's hear your reactions
Junaid: "If there was no DRS, the result would've been quite different."
Mohsin: "This is the best I have seen Shaheen bowl on long long time."
Danish: "Happy for Pakistan and sad for Kalasan"
Aman: "What a comeback from Shaheen Afridi! His first spell wasn't fruitful and then he comes back and takes 4 crucial wickets! Proud of you son!"
Hamza: "This tour gave us two classic knocks saim 98, klaasen 97. Both are to be remembered for their selflessness"
Kashif: "Had Babar scored a century today, this win would have been icing on the cake for Pakistan fans."
Minty: "By 5th consecutive bilateral series, you mean specifically in ODIs, right?" Right
H Klaasen c Irfan Khan b Naseem Shah 97 (125m 74b 8x4 4x6) SR: 131.08
Ghulam struck 63 off just 32 balls towards the end to help post series-sealing total