NEW DELHI: After a series loss to Pakistan at home, South African skipper Temba Bavuma voiced his disappointment, stating the team has “more questions than answers” and needs “deep introspection as a team and at the individual level.”
The Proteas faced a historic setback as stellar performances by Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, and Mohammed Rizwan, coupled with disciplined bowling led by spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, handed Pakistan their first-ever ODI series whitewash in South Africa. This occurred despite Heinrich Klaasen’s third consecutive fighting fifty.
During the post-match presentation, Bavuma lauded Klaasen, who top-scored for the Proteas with 264 runs at an average of 88.33 and three half-centuries. He described him as a “shining light” for the team, acknowledging his standout performance.
“A disappointing end to the series. We have more questions than answers. Need to have deep introspection as a team and individually. Klaasen was the shining light. He was batting on a different pitch. We saw why he is seen with such high regard. We will be donning the whites. We need to get over these emotions as quite a few of us will be playing the Tests,” Bavuma said.
After winning the toss, South Africa chose to field first. Pakistan’s innings was highlighted by a 115-run partnership between Ayub (101 off 94 balls, with 13 fours and two sixes) and Babar Azam (52 off 71 balls, with seven fours), followed by a 93-run stand between Ayub and Rizwan (53 off 52 balls, with five fours and a six). Pakistan set a formidable target of 308/9 in 50 overs.
Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa with figures of 3/56 in 10 overs. Marco Jansen and Bjorn Fortuin chipped in with two wickets each.
Chasing 309, South Africa struggled to build partnerships. Heinrich Klaasen (81 off 43 balls, with 12 fours and two sixes) fought valiantly, scoring his third consecutive fifty. However, Temba Bavuma (8), Tony de Zorzi (26 off 23 balls, with two fours and two sixes), Aiden Markram (19 off 26 balls, with three fours), Rassie van der Dussen (35 off 52 balls, with four fours and a six), and David Miller (3) failed to offer support.
Corbin Bosch (40* off 44 balls, with five fours) remained unbeaten as South Africa were bowled out for 271 in 42 overs.
Spinner Sufiyan Muqeem starred with the ball, taking 4/52, while Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi picked up two wickets each.
Saim Ayub was named both ‘Player of the Match’ and ‘Player of the Series’ for his outstanding performances.
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