South Africa vs Pakistan | 3rd ODI | Johannesburg | December 22 | Pre-Match Discussion

[Cricket Warrior]

With Pakistan having secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against South Africa, the action now shifts to the final game. Pakistan’s dominant 81-run victory in the second ODI saw a brilliant all-round performance, with key contributions from Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, and a stellar bowling effort from Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah.

South Africa will be looking to salvage pride and avoid a whitewash, as they face Pakistan in the third and final ODI at Cape Town. Despite strong individual performances, such as Heinrich Klaasen's near-century in the second ODI, the hosts struggled to build partnerships and were unable to chase down the target.

Pakistan, on the other hand, will be aiming to maintain their momentum and complete a dominant series win. With the series already in the bag, Pakistan could make some changes to their lineup, giving opportunities to other players. South Africa will need to regroup, address their weaknesses, and come out strong to end the series on a high note.

The 3rd ODI promises to be a thrilling contest as both sides look to finish the series on a positive note.


Squads

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wk)

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (capt), Ottneil Baartman, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen

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[khyberlion]

A dead rubber give everyone a go. I will go with
Saim
Usman wk
Babar
Kamran
Tayyab
Salman
Irfan
Shaheen
Husnain
Rauf
Sufiyan.

 

[BouncerGuy]

USman NEEDS to come in. There is no way Abdullah is playing this 3rd game. He is pathetic. Usman cannot be as pathetic as Abdullah is.
Give him a shot.

Also bring Hasnain for Haris and Sufiyan(50-50 on him)

 

[sweep_shot]

Pakistan have a great opportunity to win 3-0. They have the momentum.

 

[imshally81]

Pakistan should go All out here.. No need to check bench strength....

 

[BouncerGuy]

Pakistan should go All out here.. No need to check bench strength....

Abdullah should atleast be replaced he is a walking wicket with no improvement seen.

 

[Farabi]

A dead rubber give everyone a go. I will go with
Saim
Usman wk
Babar
Kamran
Tayyab
Salman
Irfan
Shaheen
Husnain
Rauf
Sufiyan.

They Shouldn’t mindlessly experiment.
Since these are main players, give them opportunities.
Abrar should get another game to continue building his confidence.
Protect Rauf and Shaheen from injury so bench them.
Irfan Niazi and KG can benefit from game time, send them up the order.
If Abullah is main opener, give him another chance but when you induct Usman, persist with Usman.

 

[mominsaigol]

Pakistan should go All out here.. No need to check bench strength....

Except going all out meams getting rid of rubbish Abdullah.

The rest are all fine as is. But Abdullah must be axed

 

[Xoib]

Can we get Shan to play for Abdullah and Shakeel for Irfan I am sure these guys have landed already and need to go in first test with some playing time

Why I have a feeling with odi won the test series will be taken easy and we will get spanked

 

[mominsaigol]

Can we get Shan to play for Abdullah and Shakeel for Irfan I am sure these guys have landed already and need to go in first test with some playing time

Why I have a feeling with odi won the test series will be taken easy and we will get spanked

Shan for Abdullah? What good does a 35 year old replacement do?

If you want a 35 year old then fakhar zaman is good enough.

Otherwise their better options like Umair, heck even Kamran ghulam can open if need be.

 

[Wasim Ghulam]

USman NEEDS to come in. There is no way Abdullah is playing this 3rd game. He is pathetic. Usman cannot be as pathetic as Abdullah is.
Give him a shot.

Also bring Hasnain for Haris and Sufiyan(50-50 on him)

Usman should be no way near PCT. We need to bring in Fakhar to open. Naqvi should burry his ego and stop destroying Fakhar's career.

Also we need another bowling all rounder in place of Irfan Khan. Cannot rely on Salman as 5th Bowler. He did well but on Pakistani Roads , Teams will target him in CT.

We could try amir Jamal or Shadab in place of Niazi

 

[Xoib]

Shan for Abdullah? What good does a 35 year old replacement do?

If you want a 35 year old then fakhar zaman is good enough.

Otherwise their better options like Umair, heck even Kamran ghulam can open if need be.

It’s selection so he can have some competitive int cricket before he steps on the field on 26th leading the team with no competitive cricket played in last 2 months the series is already decided so no harm in giving your test captain some game time before the test matches same with Saud

 

[Kianig89]

Unbelievable Pakistan won a series in SA.

Exceptional that will build our reputation

 

[RidiculousMan]

USman NEEDS to come in. There is no way Abdullah is playing this 3rd game. He is pathetic. Usman cannot be as pathetic as Abdullah is.
Give him a shot.

Also bring Hasnain for Haris and Sufiyan(50-50 on him)

If Abdullah is going to play Test series then it'll be foolish to drop him now and completely shatter his confidence. I would back him. Plus Abdullah is a batter not a hack.

 

[shah9425]

Bench strength should be tested

Let's win the pink odi guys

 

[Xoib]

If Abdullah is going to play Test series then it'll be foolish to drop him now and completely shatter his confidence. I would back him. Plus Abdullah is a batter not a hack.

Abdullah is not needed in tests open with Shan and get KG and Bobby both in the medial order

 

[Mamoon]

Give Usman Khan a farewell match before sending him back to the UAE for good. A shockingly poor batsman.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Pakistan/South Africa ODI Series update:

The national ODI squad has departed from Cape Town to Johannesburg.

The third ODI match between Pakistan and South Africa will take place in Johannesburg on December 22nd.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Give Usman Khan a farewell match before sending him back to the UAE for good. A shockingly poor batsman.

It will be a disgrace to the star of Pakistan if he is allowed to make debut in ODI format as well.

 

[followed]

Give Usman Khan a farewell match before sending him back to the UAE for good. A shockingly poor batsman.

Lol no farewell for that tailender. He should be kicked out hard.

 

[followed]

South Africans are sore losers.
I can't stand that klassen guy and that robot Jansen loser.
They have to be demolished in the next odi as well.

 

[Rana]

I love guys who make me love cricket

Klaasen is one of them

Tunn ke Rakh inna nu Heinrich!

 

[mominsaigol]

South Africans are sore losers.
I can't stand that klassen guy and that robot Jansen loser.
They have to be demolished in the next odi as well.

The side looks weak without QDK and Rabada tbh. Klaseen is good but he's a one man army atm.

It goes to show that sa was competing and dominating and getting those 400 scores because of how good Quinton de kock was.

People forget this guy smashed 4 centuries in a world cup. And anytime sa scored 400 including that klaseen 170 of 70, qdk always provided rapid fire starts.

He was basically masking how average SA really was. Same with Travis had from aus. Travis head is sooooooo good, that it kinda masks how avg the aus side is without him atm.

 

[Rana]

You think your a spinner?


Yeah Klaasen will decide that!

 

[Aami]

Batters making runs, Riz, Babar, Sal, Kamran, Saim ... Irfan showing promise?

Bowlers too; Afridi, Naseem, Abrar, Haris previously.

Just leaves Usman to come in and 'let him have it' in the opener's slot, nowt to lose with Fakhar & Abdullah on the bench.

 

[FearlessRoar]

The national ODI squad has arrived in Johannesburg from Cape Town

The national squad will begin their practice tomorrow at 2:30 PM local time. The third ODI between Pakistan and South Africa will take place in Johannesburg, and the match will be held on December 22.

 

[gazza619]

Bench should defo play.

1. Abdullah (might as well play him as he needs practice before the tests)
2. Saim
3. Babar
4. KG
5. TT
6. Agha
7. Usman
8. Shaheen
9. Rauf
10. Hasnain
11. Sufiyan

 

[shamaan]

Saim
Usman Khan
Kamran Ghullam
Tayyab Tahir
Rizwan
Irfan Khan
Agha
Shaheen
Rauf
Hasnain
Sufiyan Muqeem

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Bench should defo play.

1. Abdullah (might as well play him as he needs practice before the tests)
2. Saim
3. Babar
4. KG
5. TT
6. Agha
7. Usman
8. Shaheen
9. Rauf
10. Hasnain
11. Sufiyan

Rizwan and Babar just need to chill in dug out and let the full bench strength be put to test

 

[moghul]

A dead rubber give everyone a go. I will go with
Saim
Usman wk
Babar
Kamran
Tayyab
Salman
Irfan
Shaheen
Husnain
Rauf
Sufiyan.

I would not waste any spot for Usman , he has no future with national team , play anyone else.

 

[Abid Z]

USman NEEDS to come in. There is no way Abdullah is playing this 3rd game. He is pathetic. Usman cannot be as pathetic as Abdullah is.
Give him a shot.

Also bring Hasnain for Haris and Sufiyan(50-50 on him)

Not that I like him but abdullah is almost certain to be in tests. Imagine he needs a bit more match time.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Rizwan and Babar just need to chill in dug out and let the full bench strength be put to test

and thats how we will end up with 2-1 series result lol

 

[khyberlion]

I would not waste any spot for Usman , he has no future with national team , play anyone else.

I agree but there is no other option in the squad and with Abdullah getting back to back ducks might as well just give Usman 1 game.

 

[Aami]

USMAN (wkt keeper)
Saim
Babar
Irfan
Salman
Kamran
TAYYAB
Afridi
Naseem
HASNAIN
MOQEEM

Abdullah, Riz, Haris and Abrar resting.

But most importantly I'd leave batting positions for Salman and Kamran as they are but give Irfan more time in the middle.

 

[Nasty Naz]

No need to test bench strength. They only have a few more ODI's to play before CT. I'd sit out Naseem so he can be fresh for the Tests series but outside of that, rest can and should play. No reason to play rubbish players like Usman & Tayyab who won't even be part of the tri-series or CT squad.

Back Abdullah because he has talent and played some incredible innings in his international career already. Usman & Tayyab are hacks and not international material. I would not be looking to give them any further chances.

 

[ads101]

Pakistan should go All out here.. No need to check bench strength....

Agree. I hate these bench sides. We learn nothing from them. It only works if we have figured out our starting xi. I’d rather give confidence to the regulars to play and work out our best combination.

I don’t mind resting fast bowlers but I’d rather play the rest of the batsmen. Abdullah should be replaced by usman (or anyone). But I’d rather drop Abdullah permanently right now to test someone else than rest.

I think you can also mess around with middle order positions. I think kamran could go up the order, I think Rizwan and/or Babar could go down. I’d keep Agha where he is, he is doing well in that position.

 

[ads101]

If Abdullah is going to play Test series then it'll be foolish to drop him now and completely shatter his confidence. I would back him. Plus Abdullah is a batter not a hack.

He’s not even opening or performing that well in PSL. And yet he’s our odi opener. I like him but I don’t think he’s ready right now and will likely lose his place to fakhar anyway when he comes back. I don’t think he’s even being backed in domestic much in the shorter formats. And yet he opens in ODIs.

I think it’s best for him to just focus on tests. That’s the format he’s done well in. And I know there are calls to drop him there but I would stick with him for a long time there. He already has quite a few impressive performances there in tests when historically our openers have done pretty badly in tests.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Not that I like him but abdullah is almost certain to be in tests. Imagine he needs a bit more match time.

He is not gonna do anything much in tests as well. We are wasting a spot on him..

 

[BouncerGuy]

South Africa pacer ruled out for third ODI against Pakistan

The Proteas had already been dealt a setback with spinner Keshav Maharaj’s injury

South Africa quick Ottneil Baartman will miss the third and final ODI against Pakistan after suffering a right knee injury.

The 31-year-old, who featured in the first ODI and snapped two wickets in seven overs, wasn’t part of the Proteas line-up for Thursday’s game in Cape Town. This development comes after Baartman had complained of discomfort in his knee during the warm-up.

The pacer has been replaced by 30-year-old all-rounder Corbin Bosch in the ODI squad.

Baartman’s injury isn’t the only one that has impacted the hosts in the ongoing series. Tweaker Keshav Maharaj had been ruled out for the entirety of the series owing to a left abductor strain.

Having lost the preceding T20I series by a 2-0 margin, Pakistan bounced back with successive wins in the ODIs.

The visitors edged past the Proteas by a three-wicket margin in Paarl, and followed it up with an 81-run win in the second ODI.

ICC

 

[Farabi]

USMAN (wkt keeper)
Saim
Babar
Irfan
Salman
Kamran
TAYYAB
Afridi
Naseem
HASNAIN
MOQEEM

Abdullah, Riz, Haris and Abrar resting.

But most importantly I'd leave batting positions for Salman and Kamran as they are but give Irfan more time in the middle.

What do you gain from “resting” Abrar when he is still finding his feet at this level in white ball?
Are you seeing Usman Khan for ICC champions trophy? What’s the goal with trying him.

 

[alishahid]

Shafique
Saim
Babar
Usman
Ghulam
Salman (c)
Irfan
Shaheen
Hasnain
Rauf
Muqeem

Most probable line up for tomo

 

[gazza619]

What do you gain from “resting” Abrar when he is still finding his feet at this level in white ball?
Are you seeing Usman Khan for ICC champions trophy? What’s the goal with trying him.

I would definitely give a chance to Usman, Hasnain, Sufiyan & Tayyab in the 3rd ODI.

This will help us figure out who are our immediate replacements should any of the first choice guys become unavailable.

 

[followed]

Lol people want to see that tailender hack Usman in odis as well. They want to see his lengendary 15 average in odis as well.

If he gets a chance in last odi I m certain he won't score much but by luck if he is able to score some runs, then they won't be able to drop that ugly hack and it will hurt Pakistan in long run.

Pakistan has to go for the kill and make South Africans cry again.

Just kick that Usman back to UAE.

 

[Aami]

What do you gain from “resting” Abrar when he is still finding his feet at this level in white ball?
Are you seeing Usman Khan for ICC champions trophy? What’s the goal with trying him.

Its a pointless 3rd game where you can try your bench strength. Usman can be tried as back up opener if Fakhar doesnt come through for the CT.

 

[Abid Z]

He is not gonna do anything much in tests as well. We are wasting a spot on him..

Maybe. But I can’t see that the management are going to drop him just yet for tests. He’s certainly useless but with a century every ten matches and nothing in between they will say they need to back youth. Unfortunately as well as missing straight ones he alsodoes get some peaches upfront

 

[Farabi]

Its a pointless 3rd game where you can try your bench strength. Usman can be tried as back up opener if Fakhar doesnt come through for the CT.

You don’t just test bench. You have to have a purpose for the test. What are you trying to learn? Do you have a settled opening pair yet? How many games has Abullah played? Is he settled.

For example, Aussies only announce 12 member squads so they can avoid this nonsense.

 

[Aami]

You don’t just test bench. You have to have a purpose for the test. What are you trying to learn? Do you have a settled opening pair yet? How many games has Abullah played? Is he settled.

For example, Aussies only announce 12 member squads so they can avoid this nonsense.

You've just answered your own question?

In the absence of Fakhar and Abdullah's form, no harm in trying Usman as s back up opener? May its the kick up the back side he needs to know that he cant take his slot for granted.

 

[kron]

Lol people want to see that tailender hack Usman in odis as well. They want to see his lengendary 15 average in odis as well.

If he gets a chance in last odi I m certain he won't score much but by luck if he is able to score some runs, then they won't be able to drop that ugly hack and it will hurt Pakistan in long run.

Pakistan has to go for the kill and make South Africans cry again.

Just kick that Usman back to UAE.

What type of player is sufiyan and tayyab?

 

[Kianig89]

Usman+
Saim
Babar
Rizwan c
KG
Salman
TT
SSA
Rauf
Hasnain
Sufyan

 

[Kianig89]

What type of player is sufiyan and tayyab?

Sufyan is an okish spinner, not really tested against proper sides same is for TT bats with good SR but has issues against bounce

 

[angrypathan]

Anyone but Usman please

 

[FearlessRoar]

Abrar Ahmed during the pre-match press conference ahead of the 3rd ODI against South Africa:

"Babar Bhai's form is very helpful for Pakistan and look at Shaheen Shah Afridi, he has been the world number 1 bowler and is still the world number 1. The way Babar Bhai and Shaheen have performed over time, we’ve gotten used to seeing them perform in every match. Both of them are always striving to deliver their best performances."

"The combination between me and Harry Bhai [Haris Rauf] is really good, and whenever we talk to Rizwan Bhai, he gives us specific tasks. Sometimes we need to take wickets, and sometimes we need to bowl dot balls. We have to work together and everything is done through consultation and teamwork."

"Alhamdulillah, our batting strength is really strong and MashaAllah all the players are in form. For example, if you look at the innings of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan and further down the order, Kamran Ghulam's innings were absolutely extraordinary. Salman Ali Agha is contributing in every match and we also have Saim Ayub. If he performs, he can turn a match into a one-sided affair. Our batting strength is very good so, we are ready to whitewash them (South Africa)"

"The wicket here is suitable for batting, so we will need to play according to the conditions and adapt to the pitch behavior."

 

[Kianig89]

Abrar Ahmed during the pre-match press conference ahead of the 3rd ODI against South Africa:

"Babar Bhai's form is very helpful for Pakistan and look at Shaheen Shah Afridi, he has been the world number 1 bowler and is still the world number 1. The way Babar Bhai and Shaheen have performed over time, we’ve gotten used to seeing them perform in every match. Both of them are always striving to deliver their best performances."

"The combination between me and Harry Bhai [Haris Rauf] is really good, and whenever we talk to Rizwan Bhai, he gives us specific tasks. Sometimes we need to take wickets, and sometimes we need to bowl dot balls. We have to work together and everything is done through consultation and teamwork."

"Alhamdulillah, our batting strength is really strong and MashaAllah all the players are in form. For example, if you look at the innings of Babar Bhai and Rizwan Bhai and further down the order, Kamran Ghulam's innings were absolutely extraordinary. Salman Ali Agha Bhai is contributing in every match and we also have Saim Ayub. If he performs, he can turn a match into a one-sided affair. So, we are ready to whitewash the series."

"The wicket here is suitable for batting, so we will need to play according to the conditions and adapt to the pitch behavior."

Is this a criket team or a gangsta group , all Bhai's

 

[adi_62941]

Is their chance of rain? I just weather and it shows 50% rain afternoon onwards. Any update from the ground?

 

[jamie smith]

the benched players should be given a go

 

[The Bald Eagle]

A dead rubber but vital for Pakistan to figure out their best xi before CT 2025...time for big experimentation

 

[jamie smith]

What type of player is sufiyan and tayyab?

sufyan is a decent spinner while tayyab doesnot have much of a future with his awful batting technique. TT seems to be a downgraded version of usman khan

 

[jamie smith]

anyone except tt should be given a chance

A dead rubber but vital for Pakistan to figure out their best xi before CT 2025...time for big experimentation

 

[Farabi]

You've just answered your own question?

In the absence of Fakhar and Abdullah's form, no harm in trying Usman as s back up opener? May its the kick up the back side he needs to know that he cant take his slot for granted.

I’m all for experimenting, but it has to be guided by a clear North Star.

Abdullah itself is backup to Fakhar. You can’t prepare backup for back up before your original back up is ready!

Abdullah Shafique performed well in the 2023 ODI World Cup and followed it up with solid outings on the Australia tour. He’s still in the early stages of his ODI career and needs consistent game time to either cement his spot or be moved on. You don’t bench players who are still finding their footing unless you’re planning to drop them entirely.

Giving Usman Khan a one-off game serves no purpose. Once you’ve made a decision on Abdullah, then bring in Usman and give him a proper run too.

Instead, promote Irfan Niazi and KG to make them sink or swim.

 

[moghul]

Lol people want to see that tailender hack Usman in odis as well. They want to see his lengendary 15 average in odis as well.

If he gets a chance in last odi I m certain he won't score much but by luck if he is able to score some runs, then they won't be able to drop that ugly hack and it will hurt Pakistan in long run.

Pakistan has to go for the kill and make South Africans cry again.

Just kick that Usman back to UAE.

I agree and hope Usman won;t make a fluke 30 or 40 if selected in playinf eleven for the 3 rd ODI, and we will be stuck with low quality, club cricketer for long.