Pakistan to Bowl First in Decisive ODI Against South Africa
In the series-deciding One-day International at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad on Saturday, Pakistan was sent to field first after losing the toss. The three-match series is currently tied at 1-1.
Pakistan secured a thrilling two-wicket win in the opening game, but South Africa responded strongly with an eight-wicket triumph in the second ODI.
Team Changes and Captain's Comments
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi expressed confidence that his team would "bounce back strongly" following the setback in the second match. He revealed that Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr have been rested for this game.
Returning to the squad are pacer Haris Rauf, who serves the end of a two-match suspension, and spinner Abrar Ahmed.
Playing XI
- Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammed Rizwan, Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
- South Africa: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke (captain), Rubin Hermann, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin, Nandre Burger, Nqabayomzi Peter.
"We are confident of a strong comeback in this decisive match," said Pakistan skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi at the toss.
The final match promises a thrilling contest as both teams look to clinch the series.
Author's summary: Pakistan, after splitting the series 1-1 with South Africa, will bowl first in the deciding ODI, aiming to bounce back with key players returning to the squad.