Their last ODI series win came in 2008, and they have yet to win an ODI series against South Africa.
So today they have a chance to set the record straight when they take on their nemeis in the fifth and deciding one-dayer at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The Proteas were the clear favourites after Pakistan surrendered the Twenty20 series rather meekly.
But Pakistan did a tremendous job of fighting back to win the second and fourth ODIs to level the series.
Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said his team was determined to record their first limited-overs series win over Graeme Smith's men.
He said: “I know we have never beaten them (SA) in a bilateral one-day series, so that is very much the aim to achieve and the boys are determined to win this final match.”
Since winning the ODI series against West Indies in Abu Dhabi two years ago, Pakistan have not won a series since, losing twice to Sri Lanka and Australia and once each to New Zealand and England respectively.
Afridi said that he expected more from his boys if they are to win the series.
He added: “This series is a very close affair, so we need to take all our chances, and if we do, then we will win the series, which will be a very good achievement considering our recent record.”
Younis Khan, who hit a match-winning 73 in the fourth one-day match that helped Pakistan win by one wicket, hopes that Pakistan can clinch the final match to help restore confidence.
He said: “We have not won a series for two years. So it’s important that we clinch this series and get more confidence before the World Cup.”
About the World Cup, Younis said: “It’s in my mind that before I leave we win a major ICC event and if that’s the World Cup (50 overs) then it would be great."
South African coach Corrie van Zyl was optimistic about his team’s chances. He said: “We obviously want to win the series, but you also want to see what players are available before the World Cup because this is our last chance to play on sub-continent type of pitches here.”
About Tsotsobe’s fitness, he said: “Injury to Lonwabo is a concern but Rusty (Theron) stepped in and did well, but we hope we are in a position to field our strongest combination and everyone bowl to his potential.”
