South Africa win toss, opt to bat first against Pakistan in ODI series decider

South Africa have won the toss and opted to bat first against Pakistan in the third and final ODI of the three-match series here at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Cricket Stadium.

Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim are rested, said Shaheen Afridi. Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf are back in the starting lineup. Rubin Hermann makes his debut, and Ngidi is in for Linde for South Africa.

In the previous match, South Africa delivered an impressive batting display, comfortably chasing a 270-run target to defeat Pakistan by eight wickets.

The thumping victory helped South Africa level the series against Pakistan at 1-1, with the third and final ODI set to be played at the same venue on Saturday.

The touring side made the light work of the 270-run target set by Pakistan as they achieved the total for the loss of just two wickets and 59 balls to spare.

South Africa got off to a flamboyant start to the pursuit, courtesy of a brisk 81-run stand between openers Lhuan-dre Pretorius and de Kock.

Returning Mohammad Wasim Jr provided the home side with a much-needed breakthrough in the 12th over by getting Pretorius caught behind. The opener made a 40-ball 46 with the help of seven fours and a six.

Following his dismissal, Tony de Zorzi joined de Kock in the middle, and the duo strengthened South Africa’s position by putting together 153 runs for the second wicket.

The match-defining partnership culminated in the 35th over when Faheem Ashraf got de Zorzi caught at point. He walked back after scoring a brisk 76 off just 63 deliveries, smashing nine fours and three sixes.

Quinton de Kock, on the other hand, carried his bat all the way through and top-scored with an unbeaten 123 off 119 deliveries, studded with eight fours and seven sixes. He received notable support from captain Matthew Breetzke, who made 16 not out from 20 balls.

For Pakistan, Wasim Jr and Faheem could pick up a wicket apiece.

Opting to bat first, the home team finished at 269/9 in the allotted 50 overs, courtesy of a late onslaught.