Misbah steers Pakistan to 179 in final ODI against Proteas

CENTURION: Captain Misbah-ul-Haq led from the front to guide Pakistan for setting a 180-run target for South Africa in the third and final One-day International here at the SuperSport Park on Saturday.

Pakistan batsmen after South Africa captain AB de Villiers won the toss and sent them into bat, could not resist against the fierce bowling and were all out for 179 in 46.5 overs.

At one stage Pakistan were reeling on 97 for seven in the 29th over but it was Misbah who was determined to stay at the wicket. He came to the crease at the score of 48-3 at the board and remained not out on 79 after the whole team went back to the pavillion.

Only three other batsmen could enter into the double figures. They were opener Umar Amin (25), middle-order batsman Sohaib Maqsood (25) and late-order batsman Abdur Rehman (22).

Fast bowler Vernon Philander was the most successful bowler for South Africa, capturing three wickets for 26 runs, followed by Ryan McLaren (2-28), Lonwabo Tsotsobe (2-38) and leg-spinner Imran Tahir (2-56).

Pakistan, 2-0 up in the three-match one-day series are looking for their first ever clean sweep against South Africa while on the other hand, the hosts are looking to win the final match to salvage some pride.