Naqvi lauds Pak team show in SA
Naseem Shah celebrates his initial breakthrough with teammates in third ODI against South Africa. Photo: AFP
Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi extended heartfelt congratulations to the national team for their exceptional performance.
Pakistan secured a historic 3-0 ODI series whitewash against South Africa, becoming the first team to achieve this feat in a bilateral series on South African soil.
"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the national team for winning the third ODI and completing a clean sweep against South Africa," Naqvi stated in a PCB release.
He reserved special praise for Saim Ayub, who shone brightly in the series, scoring his second century in the final match.
"Once again, Saim Ayub showcased his class by scoring a century and playing a pivotal role in the victory," he added.
Naqvi also commended the contributions of Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, and young bowler Sufiyan Muqeem.
"Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam batted exceptionally well, while Sufiyan Muqeem won the hearts of the nation with his outstanding bowling performance," he said.
Highlighting the team's collective effort, the PCB Chairman remarked, "The result of teamwork is reflected in this remarkable success. The Pakistani team displayed confidence, passion, and hard work on the field."
He concluded his remarks on a positive and uplifting note, emphasizing the broader implications of the team's success.
"This victory will boost the players' morale and inspire the Pakistani team to maintain their performance in the upcoming Champions Trophy tournament," he concluded.
In the third match, Pakistan secured a 36-run victory, successfully defending their total of 308/9.
Saim Ayub led the charge with a scintillating 101 off 94 balls, ably supported by half-centuries from Babar Azam (52) and Mohammad Rizwan (53).
Agha Salman chipped in with a quickfire 48 to bolster the total.
South Africa's response was spearheaded by Heinrich Klaasen, who smashed 81 off 43 balls, while Corbin Bosch added a fighting 40.
However, the hosts fell short, bowled out for 271 in 42 overs.
The bowling attack was led by Sufiyan Muqeem, who claimed 4/52.
Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah picked up two wickets each, while Mohammad Hasnain and Saim Ayub chipped in with one wicket apiece.
Dream debut
Pakistan's emerging spinner Sufiyan Muqeem made a remarkable impact in the third and final ODI against South Africa in Johannesburg on Sunday.
Making his ODI debut on Sunday, the left-arm spinner recorded impressive figures of 4/52, placing him among the top spinners with the best bowling figures on debut for Pakistan.
Sufiyan became the fourth Pakistan spinner to achieve such a feat, joining an elite list: Abdul Qadir: 4/21 vs New Zealand, 1983, Abrar Ahmed: 4/33 vs Zimbabwe, 2024, Sufiyan Muqeem: 4/52 vs South Africa, 2024, and Faisal Akram: 3/24 vs Zimbabwe, 2024.
In the third and final ODI, Pakistan posted a formidable 308/9, thanks to a scintillating century from Saim Ayub, who scored 101 off 94 balls.
Contributions from skipper Babar Azam (52), Mohammad Rizwan (53) and Agha Salman (48) further bolstered the total.
South Africa's chase was led by Heinrich Klaasen's explosive 81 off 43 balls and Corbin Bosch's fighting 40.
However, Pakistan's bowling unit proved too strong, dismissing the hosts for 271 in 42 overs.
Sufiyan Muqeem spearheaded the attack, claiming four key wickets.
Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah bagged two wickets each, while Mohammad Hasnain and Saim Ayub chipped in with one apiece.
With this 36-run victory, Pakistan made history by becoming the first team to whitewash South Africa in a bilateral ODI series at home.
It also marked another milestone for skipper Mohammad Rizwan, who secured his third consecutive ODI series win.
His captaincy reign began with a landmark 2-1 series win against Australia earlier this yeartheir first on Australian soil since 2002followed by a 2-1 victory against Zimbabwe earlier this month.