Pakistan triumphs after a roller-coaster tour, securing first-ever home ODI series win over South Africa | Sports

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Pakistan’s cricketing summer reached its most defining crescendo in Faisalabad, where the national side cruised to a historic first ODI series win over South Africa, a feat that eluded them by decades. The win marked the culmination of a long, hard-fought Proteas tour, which began with an impressively drawn Test series, followed by a competitive T20 victory for Pakistan, and finally an ODI triumph that has now become part of Pakistan’s cricketing folklore.

This was no mean victory. For Faisalabad, a city starved of international cricket for more than 17 years, hosting all three ODIs was symbolic in itself. But for Pakistan, breaking the long-standing jinx of never beating South Africa in an ODI series on home soil, or even at neutral venues, was a clear statement of growth, stability and emerging confidence.

Proteas arrived in Pakistan with purpose and prescription, immediately finding his rhythm on the Test field. The Red Ball series ended 1-1, with both sides displaying resilience and setting the tone for a balanced limited-overs leg. Pakistan then progressed in the T20 series, winning 2–1, largely on the back of disciplined bowling and finishing under pressure. But the biggest stage awaited: an ODI series at a buzzing Iqbal Stadium that had waited nearly two decades to host international cricket. And this is where Pakistan wrote its historical chapter.

The third ODI proved a dramatic, almost poetic ending. On a pitch that offered seams, turns and unpredictable bounce, both sides knew early on that survival would require motivation and patience. But none adapted better than Pakistan’s young mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed. Abrar’s 27 for 4 wasn’t just a match-winning spell—it was a statement of maturity, precision and courage. With subtle variations and impeccable accuracy, he tore through South Africa’s middle order, triggering a collapse of 143 for 72 without loss in 37.5 overs. At one stage, the Proteas lost five wickets for just 16 runs. In a freefall born partly of pressure and partly of genius.

Instead, Pakistan’s chase was a picture of quiet professionalism. Saim Ayub, whose 77 anchored the innings, confidently added class, while Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan never troubled the scoreboard. Pakistan crossed the line with seven wickets and a remarkable 149 balls to spare.

After the series win, head coach Mike Hesson was visibly pleased, with high praise for captain Shaheen Shah Afridi. “The Eagles should get all the credit,” Hesson remarked. “The way he rotates his bowlers, reads the pitch and resists the temptation to over-attack after successes, that’s leadership at its best.”

Afridi’s captaincy has been a point of debate since he took over the reins, but this series proved his evolution. Calm, tactical, composed Shaheen managed not just the field but the emotions of a young squad. He supported emerging talent, embraced rotation, and trusted his bowlers to execute patient plans. “We have worked very hard across formats,” Afridi said after lifting the trophy. “Credit goes to the whole team, every player played an important role.”

Throughout the tour, Hessen emphasized patience, a quality he believed Pakistan lacked in crucial moments of the previous series. But the verdict showed that the message was drowned out. “The first couple of games, we weren’t as patient as we needed to be,” Hessen explained. “Today we were happy bowling dot balls, and we knew the rewards would come eventually.” He also highlighted how the squad has grown across formats, identifying player rotation as an essential tool for creating depth. “Sim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz, Abdul Saad, these young guys bring energy and options. Building depth is essential.”

Hessen was particularly pleased with the response to Ara’s feedback. “He worked really hard after the first ODI, adjusted his length, and provided what the team needed.”

Amidst the chatter surrounding Babur Azam’s appearance, Hasan dismissed any claims of struggle. “Babar is in great touch. He got a brutal delivery in the first game and it was over today. These things happen. His rhythm from the T20 series is still there.” Indeed, Bieber’s presence in the decider, even in a brief stay at the crease, reassured fans and neutral observers alike.

The South African camp, though defeated, maintained a spirit of grace and gratitude. He spoke glowingly of Pakistan’s hospitality, culture, and the passion of its fans, acknowledging the challenges he faced due to the conditions he was uninformed about. “It was tough, but overall a good experience,” said Quinton de Kock, who despite being on the losing side, was named player of the series for his consistency.

A member of the Proteas squad shared, “Cricket is more than winning or losing. It brings people together. The hospitality, the food, the warmth here, it’s been phenomenal.”

Perhaps the most beautiful subplot of the series was the return of the vibrant, undisturbed cricketing joy to Faisalabad. Each match saw packed stands, roaring crowds and energy that lifted Pakistan’s players as they toughened the game. “The pitch, the crowd, the intensity—it was outstanding,” Hesson noted. “To play three games in five days and have a full stadium every time, amazing.”

When the dust settled, Pakistan emerged victorious across formats: a drawn Test series, a T20i series win, and historic ODI progress. More importantly, they emerged as a side exploring depth, discipline and leadership. There’s still work to be done, Hessen admits with measured honesty, but his momentum is unmistakably upward.

Depth of spin has improved. Young batsmen are stepping up. Shaheen Afridi is maturing as a leader. And Pakistan, as a cricketing force, is beginning to reclaim identity and stability after years of inconsistency. For Pakistan cricket, it was not just a series win. It was a moment of rebirth.

A city returned. A captain emerged. Atom evolved. And history, after all, was rewritten.

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