Pakistan set 309 target for South Africa in third ODI 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan posted a total of 308 for 9 in the allotted 47 overs, setting South Africa a target of 309 runs to win the third ODI. 

Saim Ayub was the standout performer with a brilliant knock of 101 runs, including 13 fours and 2 sixes, completing his century off 91 balls. This was his second century of the series, following his 109 in the first ODI, while he scored 25 runs in the second. 

Mohammad Rizwan contributed a steady 53, while Babar Azam added 52 to the total. However, three Pakistani batters — Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, and Shaheen Afridi — were dismissed for ducks on their very first deliveries. 

On Tuesday, Pakistani all-rounder Salman Agha dominated in both batting and bowling, leading Pakistan to victory in the first of the three match ODI series.

The national team for the match includes captain Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, and Sufiyan Muqeem. 

Notably, Pakistan holds an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. 

It is worth mentioning that this game is South Africa’s annual “Pink Day” match, during which the team wears pink jerseys to raise awareness about breast cancer.

Earlier, the start of the match was delayed due to rain. South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl first.