Is there any team more unpredictable than Pakistan? They'd lose to Bangladesh at home but defeat teams like Australia and South Africa in overseas conditions. Flying high after the ODI series win in Australia, Pakistan continued their juggernaut in the format and handed a series defeat to South Africa. The Men in Green thrashed the hosts by 3 wickets in the first game before bettering their performance and winning the second ODI by 81 runs. Chasing a target of 330, South Africa were bowled out for 248, with Heinrich Klassen playing a lone hand of 97. Earlier, Babar Azam's 73 and Mohammad Rizwan's 80, followed by a brisk 63 by Kamran Ghulam, helped Pakistan post a daunting total.

Pakistan Create History

The win in the second ODI helped Pakistan create history. They became the first team in the 21st century to win three ODI series vs South Africa in South Africa. Before the 2024 win, Pakistan had beaten South Africa in 2013 and 2021. The three series wins for Pakistan came in just seven attempts. Australia are the only team other than Pakistan to win three ODI series in South Africa, however, they took 10 attempts.

The series win has given Pakistan great momentum ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy in February. The event will be played in a hybrid model, with India playing its matches in Dubai. Pakistan would love to carry the form into the showpiece event and defend their title which they won by defeating India in 2017.

"All of the guys were involved and everyone performed. We got the partnership but the start was good. Myself and Babar decided to go slow and lay the foundation. We were looking at 300 but we made 320 thanks to Kamran Ghulam. As a skipper I have the trust and belief in him but not that much as he played today (laughs). The bowlers then bowled well to restrict them," said captain Rizwan after the win.

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