SA restore pride with ODI win over Pakistan

South Africa’s cricketers have won the final One Day International against Pakistan at Centurion.

Facing a whitewash, South Africa’s seamers ran through Pakistan to bowl the tourists out for 179 in the final one-day international at SuperSport Park on Saturday.

Vernon Philander picked up 3-26 and Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Wayne Parnell had two wickets each as South Africa attempts to avoid a first ODI series whitewash at home.

Pakistan has already clinched the series by winning the first two games.

Seeking a historic sweep in South Africa, Pakistan struggled in its last game on tour, with only captain Misbah-ul-Haq (79 not out) holding off the bowlers.

Misbah’s gritty knock

Misbah hit four fours and two sixes in his gritty knock after Pakistan was 97-7 at one point.

Opener Umar Amin scored 25 and Misbah and Abdur Rehman (22) shared a 51-run stand for the eighth wicket but South
Africa was on top in the last game despite missing strike bowler Dale Steyn, allrounder Jacques Kallis and opening batsman Graeme Smith.

Pakistan also rested four players after sealing its first One Day International series victory over South Africa on Wednesday.

In for Steyn, Philander removed Ahmed Shehzad for a duck in the first over and Tsotsobe (2-38) struck in the fourth to put Pakistan at 7-2.

Philander returned to remove Anwar Ali as Pakistan slumped to 97-7 before Misbah and Rehman partially rescued the effort.

Saeed Ajmal was the last batsman out with over three overs to spare with South Africa’s decision to bowl first paying off.

Philander returned to remove Anwar Ali as Pakistan slumped to 97-7 before Misbah and Rehman partially rescued the  effort.

Saeed Ajmal was the last batsman out with over three overs to spare with South Africa’s decision to bowl first paying off.