Saim Ayub hit an excellent fifty in difficult conditions to ensure Pakistan made a comeback to the dead rubber following the early departure of Abdullah Shafique during the third ODI in Johannesburg on Sunday.

The 22-year-old made his half-century after a tough battle, full of concentration and resilience, in difficult conditions on the field. His well-executed shot, cutting the ball from his toes to mid-wicket, has been a highlight for Pakistan so far in the rain-soaked match.

Earlier, the third and final ODI between Pakistan and South Africa resumed after a rain delay, with both teams seeing their overs reduced to 47 each.

Rain caused a disruption which resulted in a reduction of three overs per team. On the restart, Marco Jansen played to Babar Azam, who managed to cut a point from his legs backwards.

In the next deliveries, Jansen tested Azam with a full delivery, which Azam missed, and finished the over with Pakistan at 28/1 after 7 overs.

Babar Azam had scored 12 from 20 balls, while Saim Ayub had scored 16 from 21 balls.

Kagiso Rabada then came in to bowl, delivering a series of tight overs. Ayub played a lovely drive for four runs off Rabada’s first ball in the sixth over, the ball sailing through mid on.

Ayub’s early boundaries included a solid drive for four more off his next delivery. However, Rabada fought back, forcing Ayub to play defensively, leading to a series of tight overs where no runs were scored.

In the fifth over, Jansen bowled a no-run delivery to Azam, who then saw a catch dropped at point after Jansen’s delivery was hit high in the air. South African outfielder Fortuin made a leaping attempt, but missed, much to the surprise of the spectators.

At the end of the fifth over, Pakistan were 17/1, with Ayub on 7 from 13 balls and Azam on 10 from 16 balls. Both teams adapted to the difficult playing conditions.

Earlier, heavy rains returned to Johannesburg shortly after the early departure of Abdullah Shafique.

The unexpected weather had already caused disruption, with full blankets put in place across the entire field.

PAKISTAN’S ROUNDS

Abdullah Shafique’s poor form continued as he fell in love with another duck during the match.

The ball, bowled by Kagiso Rabada with a beautiful angled line at the top, caught the splice of Shafique’s bat as he took an uncertain shot.

The delivery forced him to push the ball towards second slip, where Aiden Markram, standing at first slip, made no mistake in collecting the initial offering.

This early dismissal left Shafique frustrated, scoring another failed attempt to score in the match.

THROW

South Africa won the toss and decided to bowl first in the third One Day International (ODI) against the visiting team.

Temba Bavuma, the South African captain, opted to continue for the second consecutive match. “Obviously with the air conditions and the rain it could be slower, stickier and do a bit with the new ball,” Bavuma explained after the toss.

His decision reflected the belief that conditions would favor the bowlers, especially early on.

During this time, the national team made three changes to its lineup. Sufiyan Muqeem made his ODI debut, while Tayyab Tahir and Mohammad Hasnain returned to the team.

Earlier, heavy rains led to delays in the pink ODI between Pakistan and South Africa.

With blankets remaining on the field, fans and players were forced to wait for the weather to improve. A third referee appeared on television and said: “Once the rain stops, the referees will carry out an inspection,” while the pitchkeeper reassured.

Despite the delay, Pakistan had already secured the series. However, the match remained important to refine in view of the next Champions Trophy.

The dead rubber was also an opportunity for the game to show its support for cancer awareness, with fans eager to watch the spectacle.