Abrar Ahmed has once again showcased his mastery in spin bowling, delivering a career-best performance as Pakistan dismissed South Africa for a paltry 143 runs in the third and final one-day international held at Iqbal Cricket Stadium, Faisalabad. This crucial spell not only helped Pakistan seize control of the series decider but also cemented Abrar’s reputation as one of the finest emerging spinners in international cricket.
The Context: Series Decider in Faisalabad
The ODI series between Pakistan and South Africa was poised at 1-1, with both previous matches reflecting intense competition in Faisalabad. Pakistan clinched the first ODI by a narrow margin of two wickets, while South Africa bounced back in the second with an eight-wicket victory. With all to play for in the third ODI, the visiting South African team won the toss and elected to bat first, aiming to set a challenging total for the hosts.
South Africa’s Start: Promise and Plummet
South Africa began their innings on a strong note, with opener Quinton de Kock, fresh off a century in the previous match, leading the way. Together with debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius, de Kock put up a steady 72-run partnership for the first wicket, setting a solid platform. The pair played with caution and confidence; de Kock notably reached a well-made half-century, surpassing the milestone of 7,000 ODI runs in the process, while Pretorius added a handy 39 to the total.
However, their momentum was short-lived. The introduction of spin into the attack dramatically shifted the game’s trajectory.
Abrar Ahmed’s Magical Spell
Abrar Ahmad’s spell was pivotal and devastating. Bowling 10 overs with an economy of 2.70, he claimed four critical wickets for just 27 runs, his best figures in ODIs. He was ably supported by fellow spinner Salman Agha (2-18) and left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz. Abrar first broke the back of South Africa’s middle order by dismissing Rubin Hermann (1), Donovan Ferreira (7), and Corbin Bosch (0) in quick succession. He then ended South African captain Matthew Breetzke’s dogged resistance on 16, ensuring the visitors could never recover.
Abrar’s discipline, flight, and variations left batters guessing on a pitch that offered some grip and bounce. His ability to dismantle the middle and lower order under pressure highlighted why he is considered Pakistan’s premier spin weapon, especially in subcontinental conditions.
Sudden Collapse: Nine Wickets for 56 Runs
The collapse that followed Abrar’s entry into the attack was dramatic. South Africa, comfortable at 72-0 and later 106-3, lost their last seven wickets for just 37 runs, reflecting a lack of application against Pakistan’s spinners. Their approach crumbled further when Nawaz removed de Kock in the 25th over, triggering a tailspin that saw one batsman after another return to the pavilion without double figures.
Only four South African batsmen managed to reach double digits. The innings was wrapped up in 37.5 overs, with Shaheen Shah Afridi mopping up the tail, taking two wickets and ending hopes of any late resurgence for the visitors. Salman Ali Agha also contributed two wickets, ensuring that South Africa never looked comfortable.
Match Impact and Abrar’s Growing ODI Legacy
Abrar’s four-wicket haul, his second in ODI cricket (the first coming against Zimbabwe), elevated his career tally to 25 wickets from 13 matches at an average of 21.64. Against South Africa alone, he now boasts 11 wickets in five matches, averaging 20.27, a remarkable feat against a traditionally strong batting lineup.
His List A record continues to impress, with 47 wickets in 29 games. This performance highlights not only his talent but also his consistency and ability to rise to the occasion in big matches. Abrar’s rise mirrors Pakistan’s historic lineage of stellar leg-spinners and is a sign of hope for the country’s bowling future.
Decoding Abrar’s Success: Strengths and Style
Abrar’s bowling offers a blend of classic leg-spin artistry and modern tactical adeptness. He combines subtle variations in flight and pace with unerring accuracy, often luring batsmen into false strokes. His performance in Faisalabad showcased:
- Flighted deliveries to tempt batsmen out of their crease.
- Quick arm action that brings a sharp turn on suitable surfaces.
- Consistent length and line, minimising scoring opportunities.
- Intelligent field placements that built pressure and created chances.
This approach, supported by his captain and bowling partners, made South Africa’s batsmen defensive and uncertain, leading to a string of soft dismissals.
South Africa’s Struggles: A Tale of Spin Woes
For South Africa, the inability to handle Abrar’s variations proved costly. After a solid opening stand, their middle and lower order showed a lack of resilience, exposing a weakness against quality spin, a recurring pattern in recent subcontinental tours.
Quinton de Kock’s innings stood alone as a bright spot. His 53 off 70 balls, with six boundaries and a six, was praiseworthy. Yet, following his dismissal, none of the other batsmen could withstand the pressure exerted by Pakistan’s spinners.
The Bigger Picture: Series Conclusion and Player Development
Pakistan’s emphatic bowling display gave them a straightforward chase of 144 runs in the 3rd ODI, setting them up for a possible series win and boosting team morale. Abrar Ahmed’s performance, alongside his spin colleagues, provides selectors with fresh optimism heading into future tournaments where spin will play a pivotal role.
This match will be remembered as a testament to Pakistan’s depth in spin bowling and the value of nurturing young talent in both domestic and international cricket. For South Africa, lessons abound regarding adaptability and mental toughness against spin, qualities they will need before their next subcontinent engagement.