Johannesburg, South Africa:
The third and final One Day International (ODI) between Pakistan and South Africa was marred by unexpected rain disruptions, following an early dismissal of Pakistan’s opener Abdullah Shafique. The match, held in Johannesburg’s Pink ODI, dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness, saw play halted shortly after the Pakistani top-order woes continued.
South Africa Opts to Bowl First
The third ODI at The Wanderers Stadium saw South African captain Temba Bavuma win the toss and choose to bowl first. The weather, however, had other plans, with rain delaying the start of the game, and continued interruptions throughout the day.
Abdullah Shafique’s Persistent Struggles
After a delayed start, Pakistan’s top-order struggles continued as Abdullah Shafique’s dismal form persisted. Shafique, who has had a challenging series, was dismissed for a duck for the third consecutive match. His early departure added to the mounting pressure on Pakistan’s middle order to deliver in what was becoming a tough contest under unpredictable weather conditions.
Babar Azam and Saim Ayub Take the Crease
Following Shafique’s dismissal, Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam joined opener Saim Ayub at the crease. The pair began cautiously, guiding the score to a mere 10 runs before another heavy downpour interrupted play, causing another delay.
Heavy Rain Forces Another Delay
The rain that had already delayed the toss earlier in the day returned, forcing the ground staff to cover the pitch as the wet weather conditions worsened. Dark, threatening skies and damp conditions left fans and players unsure about the possibility of completing the match. With the pitch and outfield now saturated, the delay had an inevitable effect on the momentum of both teams, especially Pakistan, who were eager to finish the ODI series with a win.
Weather Forecast and Delay Details
The weather forecast for Sunday had predicted cloudy conditions with a 45% chance of rain. There was also a 27% likelihood of thunderstorms in parts of Johannesburg, further adding to the concerns regarding the completion of the match. The rain had caused a few delays earlier, but as play resumed, both teams were eager to make the most of the available time.
Pakistan’s Series Lead and Motivation to Win
Although Pakistan had already secured the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead, they were keen to finish the third ODI with a win before transitioning into their upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, which begins on December 26. The series win was an important achievement for Pakistan, but they were determined to maintain their momentum heading into the Test series.
Squad Changes for the Third ODI
For the third ODI, Pakistan made some changes to their squad. Mohammad Hasnain, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Tayyab Tahir were included in the playing eleven, while pacer Haris Rauf and spinner Abrar Ahmed were left out. These adjustments were made in an effort to experiment with their lineup and test players for the upcoming Test series.
Previous ODI Successes and Highlights
Pakistan’s performance in the second ODI was outstanding, as they defeated South Africa by 81 runs. Pakistan posted a total of 329/7, thanks to an explosive innings from Kamran Ghulam, who scored a blistering 63 off 32 balls. The match was also highlighted by solid partnerships from Babar Azam, who made 73 runs, and Mohammad Rizwan, who contributed 51 runs.
Shaheen Afridi’s Match-Winning Spell
Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by Shaheen Afridi, who delivered a match-winning spell in the second ODI. Afridi claimed four wickets, including the dismissals of South Africa’s key players like Miller, Jansen, and Phehlukwayo. Afridi’s efforts left South Africa struggling at 205/7, eventually bowled out for 248.
Despite a valiant 97 from South Africa’s Klaasen, the home side was unable to chase down the target, giving Pakistan a well-earned victory. Alongside Afridi, Naseem Shah (3/34) and Abrar Ahmed (2/53) made significant contributions with the ball, demonstrating Pakistan’s strong bowling attack.
The Pink ODI: Raising Awareness
The third ODI was played as part of the Pink ODI, an initiative aimed at raising awareness for breast cancer. This special occasion brought attention to an important cause, adding a layer of significance to the match. The players wore pink attire in support of the cause, making it a memorable event for both cricket fans and supporters of breast cancer awareness.
The Role of Kamran Ghulam’s Explosive Knock
In the second ODI, Kamran Ghulam’s blistering knock proved to be the highlight for Pakistan’s batting lineup. His rapid 63 runs off 32 balls gave Pakistan the momentum they needed in the final overs, setting up a challenging target for South Africa. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award and showcased his potential as an explosive middle-order batsman.
Looking Ahead: Test Series Against South Africa
After the conclusion of the ODI series, Pakistan will shift their focus to the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, scheduled to begin on December 26. The Test series will be crucial for Pakistan, as they aim to carry forward the positive momentum from their ODI victories and perform well in the longer format of the game.
Key Players for the Test Series
With the Test series just around the corner, Pakistan will be looking to key players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan to deliver strong performances. The team will need to adapt to the longer format, where patience and technique are vital, and continue their recent success.
Conclusion: A Thrilling Series with Unpredictable Weather
The third ODI between Pakistan and South Africa was filled with excitement, even though rain interrupted the game on multiple occasions. Despite Abdullah Shafique’s early dismissal and the challenges posed by the weather, Pakistan was determined to finish the series on a high. As the match continued under uncertain conditions, both teams displayed resilience, and the fans eagerly awaited the resumption of play.
The series win against South Africa was an important achievement for Pakistan, setting the stage for the upcoming Test series. The Pink ODI was a fitting end to a memorable series, highlighting not only the sporting spirit but also the importance of raising awareness for breast cancer.
FAQs
- Why was the third ODI between Pakistan and South Africa interrupted?
- The match was interrupted due to heavy rain that halted play shortly after Abdullah Shafique’s early dismissal.
- Who were the standout players in the second ODI?
- Shaheen Afridi, who took four wickets, and Kamran Ghulam, who scored 63 runs off 32 balls, were standout performers.
- What is the significance of the Pink ODI?
- The Pink ODI was dedicated to raising awareness for breast cancer, with players wearing pink attire to support the cause.
- What are Pakistan’s plans after the ODI series?
- After securing the ODI series, Pakistan will focus on the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, starting on December 26.
- How did South Africa perform in the second ODI?
- South Africa was bowled out for 248 while chasing a target of 330, with Klaasen scoring a valiant 97 but falling short of the target.
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