Pakistan etched their name in cricketing history by becoming the first team to defeat South Africa twice in Pink Day ODIs, a feat achieved with their latest victory on December 22, 2024, at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. The triumph also completed Pakistan’s historic whitewash of South Africa in a bilateral ODI series, marking a significant milestone for the visitors.  

The Pink Day tradition at the Wanderers, aimed at raising funds for breast cancer awareness, had been a fortress for South Africa, with the Proteas initially maintaining an unbeaten six-match streak. However, Pakistan shattered their dominance in January 2019, when they handed South Africa their first Pink Day defeat. That day, Usman Shinwari’s 4 for 35 and Shaheen Afridi’s 2 for 24 restricted the hosts to 164. In response, Imam-ul-Haq (71) and Fakhar Zaman (44) laid a solid foundation, with Babar Azam (41*) guiding the team to an emphatic eight-wicket victory. Shoaib Malik led the team in Sarfraz Ahmed’s absence due to suspension, as Pakistan notched their first-ever win at the Wanderers in ODI cricket.  

England followed suit in February 2020, defeating South Africa by two wickets in another Pink Day ODI. Despite a late collapse in their chase of 257, England prevailed, thanks to Moeen Ali’s composed finish and Adil Rashid’s 3 for 51 in the first innings.  

South Africa regained some footing, securing wins against Pakistan in 2021 and defeating Bangladesh and the Netherlands in subsequent Pink Day ODIs in 2022 and 2023, respectively. However, India handed them a humiliating defeat in December 2023, bundling the hosts out for their lowest total at Johannesburg of 116. Arshdeep Singh’s five-wicket haul and Sai Sudharsan’s debut half-century led India to a commanding victory.  

In the latest chapter, Pakistan’s commanding 36-run DLS victory on December 22, 2024, once again exposed South Africa’s vulnerabilities. Saim Ayub, the star of the series, smashed his second century (101), supported by Babar Azam (52) and Mohammad Rizwan (53). Debutant wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem’s 4 for 52 dismantled the South African batting lineup, while Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive 81 proved insufficient to salvage the game.  

This marked South Africa’s fourth loss in 13 Pink Day ODIs, with their record now standing at nine wins and four defeats. Pakistan’s historic achievement not only highlights their growing dominance in ODI cricket but also solidifies their status as the only team to defeat South Africa twice on their iconic Pink Day.