Pakistan vs South Africa | 3rd ODI | Saturday, 8 November | Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad | 12:00 PM
The three-match ODI series between Pakistan and South Africa will reach its climax on Saturday, with the teams locked at 1–1 heading into the decisive fixture in Faisalabad.
The Proteas levelled the series in emphatic style on Thursday, cruising to victory by eight wickets with 59 balls to spare a performance that underlined their growing confidence on this tour.
Toss Troubles Continue
Remarkably, South Africa are yet to win a toss on their tour of Pakistan. Across seven matches, spanning three formats and three different captains, the coin has fallen against them every time.
Proteas Missing Key Players
The Proteas have been without several of their regular first-choice stars for this series. Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Tristan Stubbs, and Temba Bavuma have all been rested ahead of the upcoming tour to India.
Injuries have further depleted the side, Dewald Brevis and David Miller are both unavailable. Brevis, who suffered a shoulder injury during the T20I series, has been replaced by Rubin Hermann.
Teenage opener Lhuan-dre Pretorius has impressed in his debut ODI series, with scores of 46 and 57 in his first two innings.
Key Players
Pakistan – Salman Agha
While Quinton de Kock leads the series run charts, Pakistan’s Salman Agha has been his side’s standout performer, scoring 62 and 69 in the first two matches. Agha relishes batting against South Africa, his career average is 41.56, but against the Proteas it soars to an impressive 85.60.
He showcased real composure in the second ODI, coming in with Pakistan reeling at 22/3 and steadying the innings to 190. Notably, he’s never been dismissed for a duck in his 36 ODI innings, a mark of his consistency. Expect him to be among the runs again.
South Africa – Quinton de Kock
Back in Proteas colours, Quinton de Kock has wasted no time reminding fans of his class. Often viewed as a T20 specialist, his record suggests otherwise, he’s a superior ODI batter, averaging 46.68 compared to 30.4 in T20Is.
De Kock has scored five centuries in his last 12 ODI innings, including an unbeaten 123 in Thursday’s game. His current ODI average in Pakistan is a staggering 186. Teaming up with the young Pretorius, he looks set to play a pivotal role once again.
Form Guide (Most Recent First)
Pakistan: L, W, L, L, W
South Africa: W, L, L, W, W
Verdict: South Africa to Edge the Decider
After a narrow defeat in the first match and a commanding win in the second, momentum is firmly with the Proteas. De Kock and Pretorius have formed a formidable opening pair, Tony de Zorzi looks settled at number three, and Matthew Breetzke boasts an impressive ODI average of 75.14.
The bowling attack is firing too, and the team appears determined to claim at least one series on this Pakistan tour. With confidence high and form trending upward, South Africa looks well placed to seal the series in Faisalabad.
Prediction: South Africa to win 2–1.