South Africa elect to field first in final ODI against Pakistan
South Africa won the toss on Sunday and chose to field first against Pakistan in the third and final One-Day International (ODI) at Wanderers Stadium, Sandton.
Pakistan, already leading the three-match series 2-0, made three changes to their playing XI. Middle-order batter Tayyab Tahir, pacer Mohammad Hasnain, and uncapped left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem replaced Muhammad Irfan Khan, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed, respectively.
Sufiyan Muqeem’s inclusion comes after his impressive performances in the recent T20I series against Zimbabwe, where he recorded remarkable figures of 5/3. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) aims to balance providing opportunities for emerging talent and ensuring player rotation within the squad.
Despite scoring ducks in the first two ODIs, right-handed opener Abdullah Shafique retained his spot and will open the innings with the in-form Saim Ayub. Star batter Babar Azam follows, anchoring Pakistan’s top order.
The middle-order includes skipper Mohammad Rizwan, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, and returning Tayyab Tahir. The bowling attack is spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi, supported by Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, and Sufiyan Muqeem.
With the series already secured, Pakistan looks to make a clean sweep, while South Africa aims to conclude the series on a high note.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan(w/c), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Sufiyan Muqeem
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen(w), David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka
