SA vs PAK: Fakhar Zaman marked his second consecutive ODI century.© UKTN
Fakhar Zaman hit his second straight century and captain Babar Azam made 94 to set up a 28-point victory for Pakistan in the third and final decisive international in the series against South Africa at Centurion on Wednesday. South Africa’s chances of chasing Pakistan’s 320-for-seven total were effectively stifled by left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz, who took three successive wickets to reduce hosts to 140-for-five in the 28th.
Promising batsman Kyle Verreynne (62) and versatile Andile Phehlukwayo (54) had 108 balls out of 100 for the sixth wicket, but both were ruled out in the space of seven balls. South Africa was eliminated for 292.
“It means a lot,” Fakhar said after the game. “For two years, I didn’t score much.”
“My plan was very simple,” he said. “I was trying to play normally for the first 10 overs. On these fields in the morning it’s not easy to play with two new balls.”
“It’s a game of confidence and we have gained a lot of confidence,” said Pakistani captain Babar Azam. “We’re going to take that and try to win the T20 series.”
Brief scores:
Pakistan 320-7 in 50 overs (Imam-ul 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)
Promoted
Result: Pakistan won by 28 points
Streak: Pakistan won the three-game streak 2-1
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