Opener Fakhar Zaman has smashed his second century in as many matches, as Pakistan beat a much-changed South Africa by 28 runs in the third and final one-day international in Pretoria, clinching the series 2-1.
Fakhar followed up his scintillating 193 on Monday (NZ time) with 101, as Pakistan posted 320/7 in their 50 overs after being sent into bat.
Missing five key Indian Premier League players - Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi - South Africa were bowled out for 292 in the final over.
Fakhar's 101 from 104 balls laid the platform for a sizeable Pakistan total, that was given a significant late boost by captain Babar Azam (94 from 82 balls) and Hasan Ali (32 from 11), who smashed 55 from the final 16 balls of the innings to propel Pakistan well past 300.
They looked to have stalled, when spinners Keshav Maharaj (3/45) and part-timer Aiden Markram (2/48) slowed the scoring before the powerful late assault.
South Africa needed a three-figure score from one of their batsmen to get close to the target, but Pakistan's bowlers varied the pace on a slow wicket and retained control of the match.
Janneman Malan (70), Kyle Verreynne (62) and Andile Phehlukwayo (54) all registered half-centuries, but none could push on, as left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz (3/34) was the pick of the visiting attack.
The teams now play a four-match Twenty20 International series, starting in Johannesburg on Sunday (NZ time).
Reuters
