Mohammad Hasnain, Sufiyan Maqeem reflect on Pakistan's dominant win over South Africa

Pakistan’s fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain and debutant spinner Sufyan Maqeem have opened up about their contributions to Pakistan's resounding victory over South Africa in the final ODI of the series.

Sufiyan Maqeem, who played a crucial role with the ball, shared that captain Mohammad Rizwan’s constant encouragement was key to his performance. "Captain Rizwan kept telling me to stay ready after each ball," Maqeem said. "When the captain gave me the over, I succeeded, and Pakistan secured the win. I was waiting for my turn," he added. Maqeem also acknowledged the vital contributions from Pakistan’s batsmen, particularly Saim Ayub and Babar Azam.

Fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain credited his mentor, former cricketer Aqib Javed, for his guidance. "I followed the instructions given by Aqib Javed. I’ve been learning a lot from him during our training sessions," Hasnain said. Reflecting on his pivotal wicket of South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen, Hasnain revealed, "Initially, I planned to bowl a normal delivery to van der Dussen, but then I switched to a yorker and got the wicket."

The final ODI, played in Johannesburg, saw Pakistan emerge victorious by 36 runs under the DLS method. The team posted a commanding total of 308 runs in 47 overs, thanks to superb centuries from Saim Ayub (101) and valuable contributions from Babar Azam (52) and Mohammad Rizwan (53). Maqeem, in his debut match, impressed with figures of 4 for 52, exploiting South Africa’s struggles against spin.

Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive 81 helped keep South Africa’s hopes alive, but a lack of support from the other batters meant the hosts fell short.

With this win, Pakistan completed a whitewash in the three-match ODI series, marking their fifth consecutive bilateral ODI series victory and reaffirming their status as a formidable side in international cricket.