Historic Pakistan ODI Win vs SA 2-1; Babar Azam Hits 15,000 Runs

Pakistan just etched a new chapter in cricket history, securing a monumental 2-1 ODI series victory against South Africa on November 8, 2025, right there at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad! And get this, in the same decisive match, captain Babar Azam didn’t just lead the charge; he also achieved an incredible personal milestone, joining an elite group of Pakistani batting legends.

Key Takeaways

Pakistan defeated South Africa 2-1 in a thrilling three-match ODI series, their first home series win against the Proteas.
Babar Azam became the fifth Pakistani cricketer to score 15,000 international runs, reaching the landmark in 370 innings.
Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed delivered a career-best performance, taking 4 wickets for 27 runs in the final ODI.
Saim Ayub anchored Pakistan’s chase in the third ODI with a crucial 77 runs off 70 balls.
Pakistan gained one point in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, maintaining their fifth position.

Series Decider Drama

Look, the third and final ODI was a true nail-biter, happening on November 8, 2025, at Iqbal Stadium. South Africa set a modest target, but pressure in a series decider? It’s always immense. But Pakistan’s bowlers, especially leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, truly stepped up. He was on fire, snaring a **career-best 4 wickets** for just 27 runs, completely dismantling the Proteas’ batting lineup. What a performance!

Then came the chase. And yeah, it was clinical. Pakistan hunted down the 144-run target in just 25.1 overs, securing a **seven-wicket victory**. Opener Saim Ayub was absolutely brilliant, smashing 77 runs off only 70 balls. He really kept the scoreboard ticking, didn’t he? This emphatic win sealed the series 2-1, a massive achievement for the home side.

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Babar Azam’s Historic Feat

Expert Analysis

But honestly, the headlines weren’t just about the series win. Captain Babar Azam achieved something truly special. He crossed the 15,000 international runs mark during this match, making him only the fifth Pakistani player ever to reach this incredible milestone. He joins legends like Inzamam-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, and Javed Miandad. Reports from A Sports highlighted how significant this achievement is for his legacy.

Babar reached his 15,004 runs in just 370 innings, which is **faster than most of his predecessors**. This really underscores his consistency and class across all formats. Even though he scored 27 runs off 32 balls before being run out in the final ODI, his impact on Pakistan cricket is undeniable.

Social Media Storm

You can imagine the frenzy! Social media just exploded with congratulations for Babar. Fans couldn’t stop talking about his incredible journey and his place among the greats. Hashtags like #BabarAzam and #PakistanCricket were trending everywhere, celebrating both his personal record and the team’s historic series win. Everyone was super proud of the team’s performance against a strong South African side.

What This Means for Rankings

So, what does this triumph mean for Pakistan on the global stage? Well, the win saw them gain one point in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings. According to Wisden’s reports, they maintained their **fifth position**, which is crucial for building momentum. South Africa, meanwhile, remained sixth. This series win shows Pakistan’s growing strength and their ability to perform under pressure against top-tier teams.

This isn’t just another series win; it’s the first time Pakistan has beaten South Africa at home in an ODI series! What an accomplishment! You’ve gotta wonder, how will this momentum carry into their next fixtures? And can Babar Azam continue breaking records at this phenomenal pace? What do you think was the most impactful moment of this historic series?

Historic Pakistan ODI Win vs SA 2-1; Babar Azam Hits 15,000 Runs