Majestic Fakhar leads Pakistan to ODI series win against South Africa

Fakhar Zaman hit his second successive century and captain Babar Azam made 94 to set up a 28-run win for Pakistan in the series-deciding third and final one-day international against South Africa in Centurion on Wednesday.

South Africa’s chances of chasing down Pakistan’s total of 320 for seven were effectively snuffed out by left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz, who took three wickets in successive overs to reduce the hosts to 140 for five in the 28th over. Promising batsman Kyle Verreynne (62) and all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo (54) put on 108 off 100 balls for the sixth wicket but both were dismissed in the space of seven balls. South Africa were bowled out for 292.

Brief scores:

Pakistan: 320-7 in 50 overs (Imamul Haq 57, Fakhar Zaman 101, Babar Azam 94; K. Maharaj 3-45)

South Africa: 292 in 49.3 overs (J. Malan 70, K. Verreynne 62, A Phehlukwayo 54; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-58, Mohammad Nawaz 3-34)

Ist ODI Result

Pakistan beat South Africa off last ball after Babar century

A century by Babar Azam set up a threewicket, last-ball win for Pakistan in the first one-day international against South Africa at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday.

The Pakistan captain hit a stroke-filled 103 off 104 balls but his dismissal started a collapse in which fast bowler Anrich Nortje took four wickets in four overs.

2nd ODI Result

South Africa beat Pakistan by 17 runs in 2nd ODI despite Fakhar’s 193

South Africa held out to level the ODI series 1-1 with a 17-run win over Pakistan on Sunday that was much closer than it should have been because of Fakhar Zaman’s brilliant 193 in a losing effort. Fakhar’s score came from 155 balls and he hit 18 fours and 10 sixes to give South Africa a big scare in the second one-day international.

Pakistan were 205-7 at one stage before Fakhar really got going, but ultimately finished on 324-9, chasing 342 to win at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.