South Africa win toss, opt to field first against Pakistan in final ODI

South Africa on Sunday won the toss and opted to field first against Pakistan in the third and final one-day international (ODI) at Wanderers Stadium, Sandton.

Earlier in the day, the Green Shirts, who lead the three-match series 2-0, made the changes to their lineup as middle-order batter Tayyab Tahir, pacer Mohammad Hasnain and emerging uncapped left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem replaced Muhammad Irfan Khan, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed, respectively.

Left-arm spinner earned his place in the lineup on the back of stellar performances in the recently-held T20I series against Zimbabwe, the highlight of which was his record bowling figures of 5/3.

The move is a part of the PCB’s objective to give opportunities to emerging talent, while at the same time, ensuring rotation of the players.

Despite getting out for a duck in each of the first two ODIs, right-handed opener Abdullah Shafique, managed to retain his place in the lineup and will continue to open the innings for the Green Shirts alongside in-form Saim Ayub, with star batter Babar Azam to follow.

Skipper Mohammad Rizwan, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha and returning Tayyab Tahir form the middle-order.

Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead Pakistan’s bowling attack, further comprised of Naseem Shah, Hasnain and Sufiyan.

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