pak vs sa 3th ODI

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Pakistan vs South Africa 3rd ODI (Players)

Pakistan vs South Africa 3rd ODI Preview

The three-match ODI series between Pakistan and South Africa is poised for a dramatic finish as the two sides head into the 3rd and final ODI with the series level at 1-1. Scheduled to be played at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad on Saturday, November 8, this match is a winner-take-all contest that promises high-octane action.

The Home Side’s Challenge

Pakistan, under the captaincy of Babar Azam, managed a thrilling, narrow victory in the 1st ODI, demonstrating their ability to close out tight chases. However, the 2nd ODI exposed a crucial vulnerability, particularly against the new ball, as the top order—including Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Rizwan—collapsed cheaply.

The middle-order heroics of Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, and the late flourish from Mohammad Nawaz were vital in posting a competitive total, but it was not enough. For the decider, the spotlight will be intensely focused on the Men in Green’s top three to provide a solid foundation. With the ball, the pace attack of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah needs to find its rhythm early to counter the aggressive Proteas batting line-up, especially after the lack of breakthroughs in the second match. The team management might consider bringing back a wrist-spinner like Abrar Ahmed to exploit the conditions.

Proteas’ Momentum and Key Players

South Africa, despite not being at full strength, showed remarkable resilience and clinical execution to bounce back and level the series. Their victory in the 2nd ODI was powered by a magnificent, unbeaten century from opener Quinton de Kock, who has been in scintillating form since his return to the ODI format.

The Proteas’ batting was solid, with Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Tony de Zorzi providing excellent support. Their bowling attack, led by the impressive new-ball spell from debutant left-arm pacer Nandre Burger (who claimed 4 wickets) and the control offered by spinner Nqaba Peter, proved decisive in restricting the host’s total. This injection of fresh, impactful talent gives the Proteas significant momentum heading into the final match. Captain Matthew Breetzke will look to his in-form senior batsman and the energized bowling unit to replicate the performance and clinch a memorable series win away from home.

Pitch and Prediction

The Iqbal Stadium pitch in Faisalabad has proven to be a batter-friendly surface, conducive to high-scoring encounters, with the advantage slightly favouring the team batting second, as the surface often becomes easier for stroke play under lights.

With the series hanging finely at 1-1, this final ODI is set up to be a cracker. The match will ultimately be decided by which team handles the pressure of the decider better and which batting unit can maximize the favourable conditions. Expect a hard-fought contest with moments of brilliance from both sides as they battle for the series trophy.

• Momentum: The Proteas hold the psychological edge coming off a dominant victory. Can Pakistan regroup and leverage the home advantage, or will South Africa continue their strong form?
• Player performance: All eyes will be on Quinton de Kock and Agha Salman, the standout performers of the series thus far. Will other players step up and make a match-winning contribution?
• Bowling attack: Can Pakistan’s pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf find their rhythm to contain South Africa’s explosive batting?. Likewise, South Africa will rely on the likes of Nandre Burger to deliver a match-winning spell

• pak vs sa 3th ODI

• Series Decider

• 3rd ODI

• Faisalabad

• Iqbal Stadium

• Babar Azam

• Shaheen Afridi

• Quinton de Kock

• Nandre Burger

• ODI Cricket

• Pakistan vs South Africa