Smith terms series wins "fantastic"

Graem Smith © Getty Images

South Africa captain Graeme Smith hailed his side's Test and one-day series victory over Pakistan as an "unbelievable achievement". South Africa won the deciding one-dayer by 14 runs after Pakistan lost their last six wickets for 20 runs. They took the Test series 1-0 and the one-dayers 3-2.

"I don't think any South African team has won two trophies on the subcontinent," Smith said. "Of course we can still improve but two series victories is fantastic." The series result leaves South Africa in second place in the ODI rankings, five points behind Australia.

When asked about Pakistan's sensational collapse, Smith said, "We took huge catches and the ball swung in the end and that helped us to take those last wickets."

Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik was at a loss to explain his side's defeat from a commanding position. "We were unable to maintain that form to the end," Malik said. "It's hard to explain. A win would have been good for the Indian tour." Pakistan kick off their tour of India with a warm-up one-dayer in Delhi on Friday.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive officer Gerald Majola also lauded the series wins. "To Graeme Smith, the team and management: CSA extends its heartiest congratulations on one of the great victories in SA cricket history," a statement from Majola said.

"To have won in this fashion against all the odds to win both the test and ODI series in Pakistan is an unprecedented achievement," it said. "The commitment and will-to-win from everybody was extraordinary and the nation here salutes you all. You have carried on where the South Africa Rugby team finished off in Paris (winning the World Cup)."

South Africa's next challenge is a home series against New Zealand with the first Test starting on November 8.