South Africa win toss and elect to bowl first in third ODI against Pakistan

South African captain Temba Bavuma won the toss elecgted to bowl first at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.

Although Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, had already secured the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead, they were eager to finish the ODI series with a win before focusing on the upcoming two-match Test series, which begins on December 26.

Both teams had a clean run-up to the match, with the weather cooperating after a brief delay earlier in the day.

The pitch, which had been covered during rain delays, was now ready for play as the teams set up for an exciting contest.

Mohammad Hasnain, Sufiyan Muqeem and Tayyab Tahir have been included in Pakistan’s squad for the third ODI against South Africa, while pacer Haris Rauf and spinner  Abrar Ahmed have been left out.

Earlier, Pakistan defeated South Africa by 81 runs in the second ODI, clinching their third consecutive series win.

Set a target of 330, South Africa made a solid start but lost key wickets.

Shaheen Afridi delivered a match-winning spell, claiming four wickets, including the dismissals of Miller, Jansen, and Phehlukwayo, to leave South Africa reeling at 205/7.

Despite a valiant 97 from Klaasen, South Africa was bowled out for 248. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Afridi (4/48), Naseem Shah (3/34), and Abrar Ahmed (2/53), dominated.

Kamran Ghulam was named Player of the Match for his blistering 63 off 32 balls, which helped Pakistan post 329/7 after opting to bat first.

The match was marked by a solid partnership between Babar Azam (73) and Mohammad Rizwan (51), while Kamran Ghulam’s explosive knock lifted the total in the final overs.

Pakistan’s all-round performance saw them wrap up the series with a game to spare, continuing their strong ODI form.