The third and final match of the ODI series between Pakistan and South Africa was played on November 8th at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. Pakistan won the match by seven wickets and won the series 2-1. Meanwhile, South Africa’s experienced wicketkeeper-batsman, Quinton de Kock, who recently returned from retirement, performed exceptionally well with the bat.
In this match, de Kock scored a brilliant half-century of 53 runs off 70 balls. Although his team failed to win the match, he won the Player of the Series award. With this, de Kock equaled a world record held by former Indian captain and legendary wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni.
South Africa veteran breaks MS Dhoni’s record
South Africa’s legendary wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock performed brilliantly with the bat in the three-match ODI series against Pakistan. De Kock scored a total of 239 runs in the three matches, including a century and two half-centuries. He scored a brilliant century of 123 runs in the second ODI. For this outstanding performance, de Kock was awarded the Player of the Series award.
With this, Quinton de Kock became the wicketkeeper-batsman with the most Player of the Series awards in ODI cricket history. He equaled MS Dhoni’s world record. Dhoni won the Player of the Series award seven times in his ODI career. Now, de Kock has equaled Dhoni’s record by achieving this feat for the seventh time.
Match summary
Speaking of the match, South Africa, who won the toss and elected to bat first, couldn’t even play the full 50 overs and were all out for just 143 runs. Luhan Dre Pretorius (39) and Quinton de Kock (53) shared a 72-run opening partnership for the first wicket. But after that, the team collapsed like a pack of cards. The remaining nine wickets fell for just 71 runs. South Africa were all out for 143 in 37.5 overs, with seven players failing to reach double figures.
Meanwhile, Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed bowled brilliantly, shattering the South African batsmen. Abrar took 4 wickets for 27 runs in 10 overs. Salman Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, and captain Shaheen Afridi each took 2 wickets. Meanwhile, Pakistan opener Sam Ayub scored a brilliant half-century to lead the team to victory. Sam played a brilliant innings of 77 runs, helping Pakistan easily achieve the target in just 25.1 overs.
