South Africa went into the 5th and final ODI against Pakistan with a 3-1 lead and series win. They had nothing to lose but wanted to finish the series on a high.
The Proteas won the toss and elected to bat. Unfortunately they quickly lost the wicket of Amla to Irfan.
Skipper AB de Villiers was at the heart of 2 of the partnerships that kept the Proteas score ascending. McLaren and de Villiers had a partnership of 83 runs. The other partnership was 62 runs between du Plessis and de Villiers. Du Plessis and de Kock were behind the other partnership of 50 runs.
De Villiers led from the front, smashing 115* runs from 102 balls and scoring this 15th ODI century and his 3rd against Pakistan. He also became the fastest South African to reach 6000* ODI runs from 147* innings and 2nd overall behind Viv Richards. De Villiers' 115* runs was also the highest score by a batsman during the series. Moreover, du Plessis scored 46 runs while de Kock was closely behind with 34 runs.
In the last 10 overs the Proteas scored 114 runs at a run rate of 11.40 and only lost 2 wickets. They posted a total of 268-7 and left Pakistan requiring 269 runs to win.
Pakistan have a good record at Sharjah Stadium, they've played 114* matches, won 76, lost 36 and tied 1.
Pakistan failed to build an early partnership. As a result, during the powerplay alone, they lost 3 wickets and found themselves sitting on 56-4.
Once again, Misbah-ul-haq came to the wicket when Pakistan was in trouble yet again. It was only when Misbah and Maqsood were at the wicket where Pakistan managed to build a partnership. Together they built a partnership of 39 runs off 49 balls. Misbah also managed to reach 2000* runs as captain.
Unfortunately, Akmal was dropped on 19 runs and went on to make 30. Together Akmal and Maqsood shared a partnership of 54 runs off 62 deliveries. Maqsood reached 50 runs, his second ODI half century.
Pakistan came back strongly but it wasn't enough to for them to overcome the Proteas. At one point, Pakistan lost 3 wickets for 3 runs. Between the fall of the 5th and last wicket, Pakistan only managed 41 runs and they were all out for only 151 runs.
It also seems Pakistan hasn't wrapped their heads around reviews because all the reviews they took during the series were unsuccessful.
The Proteas won the match by 115 runs and the series 4-1. As the Proteas were leaving the field after their victory, de Villiers pointed to the Proteas badge on his chest and gave it a proud tap.
