Pakistan vs South Africa LIVE SCORE, 3rd ODI:
Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan are closing in on a 200-run partnership, both inching towards their respective centuries in what has been a remarkable chase so far. The duo steadied Pakistan’s innings after early setbacks, with Wiaan Mulder dismissing Babar Azam (23) and Fakhar Zaman (41), pushing the hosts onto the back foot despite a strong start in their pursuit of 353. Saud Shakeel also fell cheaply for 15.
Earlier, South Africa posted an imposing 352/5 in 50 overs, powered by half-centuries from Heinrich Klaasen, Temba Bavuma, and Matthew Breetzke. Klaasen played a blistering knock of 87 off 56 balls, providing the Proteas with crucial momentum. Skipper Bavuma, unfortunately, missed his century, getting run out for 82 after laying a solid foundation. Youngster Breetzke continued his fine form, contributing 83 runs.
South Africa, led by Bavuma, won the toss and opted to bat first at the National Stadium, Karachi. They made four changes, bringing in Heinrich Klaasen and Keshav Maharaj, while Pakistan, having announced their XI a day earlier, were forced to exclude Haris Rauf and Kamran Ghulam.
Mohammad Rizwan and his team are in desperate need of a win to secure a spot in the Tri-series final. Pakistan suffered a 78-run loss in the first ODI, failing to capitalize on key moments against New Zealand, who asserted their dominance with a comfortable victory. Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled for consistency in the 50-over format, running out of steam early, while their batting lineup also requires better stability.
The absence of Saim Ayub saw Babar Azam pushed up as an opener, but the experiment didn’t pay off. The team must now decide whether to persist with the Fakhar-Babar duo or explore other combinations. Meanwhile, Rizwan, who managed only three runs in the previous game, will have to take greater responsibility in the middle order, both as a batsman and as captain, after failing to control the game during New Zealand’s innings.
For South Africa, the defeat to New Zealand wasn’t as concerning, as they were missing several key players due to Champions Trophy commitments. Four players made their ODI debuts in that match, with Matthew Breetzke shining brightest. His 150-run knock set a new record for the highest individual score on ODI debut, surpassing the 47-year-old record of West Indies’ Desmond Haynes (148 vs. Australia, 1978). Despite posting over 300 runs, South Africa fell short, but they’ll be hoping for a stronger performance against Pakistan with the return of experienced players.
South Africa welcomed back key players Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Corbin Bosch, and Tony de Zorzi, fresh from their SA20 commitments. Their presence adds depth to the squad as they look to bounce back from the loss against New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Pakistan added uncapped left-arm pacer Akif Javed as a replacement for the injured Haris Rauf for the remainder of the series.
Key Highlights – Pakistan vs South Africa, 3rd ODI:
- Babar Azam’s struggles as an opener continued; he managed only 23 runs after a promising start.
- South Africa posted 352/5 in 50 overs, powered by Klaasen (87), Breetzke (83), and Bavuma (82).
- Heinrich Klaasen marked his return with a blistering 38-ball fifty.
- Matthew Breetzke missed back-to-back centuries, departing for 83.
- Temba Bavuma was run out for 82, falling short of a well-deserved hundred.
- Breetzke impressed yet again, bringing up his fifty off just 46 balls.
- Bavuma provided SA with a strong start, scoring a 55-ball half-century.
- South Africa made four changes, with Klaasen returning to the XI.
- South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first in Karachi.
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