The Pakistan national cricket team is set to face off against South Africa in the third One Day International (ODI) of their tour, taking place at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on December 22, 2024. The match is scheduled to begin at 5:30 PM IST, and the excitement is palpable as Pakistan looks to secure a whitewash, having already taken an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the series.
With impressive performances so far, Pakistan has managed to dominate the series after initially losing the T20I series 2-0 against the same opponents. The team flew back with renewed confidence, showcasing their prowess in the first two ODIs. The first match concluded with thrilling drama when Pakistan chased down South Africa's target of 240 runs, winning by three wickets, thanks to heroic innings from Salman Agha and Saim Ayub. The second ODI was even more decisive, as Babar Azam and captain Mohammad Rizwan led their side to 329 runs, defeating South Africa by 81 runs.
The scale of effort from players like Rizwan, Babar Azam, and Kamran Ghulam, who have emerged as the backbone of the batting lineup, has been monumental. Their ability to score runs under pressure has energized the side. Meanwhile, Pakistan's bowling unit featuring Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah has consistently troubled South Africa's batting order, with Afridi's four wickets and Shah's three wickets being key highlights of their earlier matches.
Looking forward to the series finale, both teams are finalizing their strategies. South Africa has struggled throughout the series, but they are expected to make some changes, particularly trying to strengthen their batting order. Early predictions suggest they will introduce players like Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller to give their side another chance at redemption.
Rain could be a significant factor during this match, as the weather forecast for Johannesburg indicates the likelihood of downpours on the day of the game. With temperatures hovering between 18 to 20 degrees Celsius, players and fans alike are facing uncertainty. If rain disrupts play, it could lead to delays or even the prospect of the match being washed out. Consequently, the toss may hold even more significance; teams could be inclined to chase down runs if the pitch favours batting. Previous encounters at The Wanderers have showcased how the surface often benefits the chasing side, with pacers enjoying some assistance.
Pakistan’s potential lineup for this third ODI is likely to mirror their successful strategy from previous matches, sticking with strong opening pair Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique. The batting order is expected to feature Babar Azam at number three, solidifying their chances of setting or chasing big scores. Rizwan will continue to lead as the middle-order linchpin alongside Salman Agha, Kamran Ghulam, and Irfan Khan. The bowling attack grounds itself with the pace of Afridi, Shah, and Haris Rauf, complemented by spin options provided by Abrar Ahmed. Agha may chip in with useful overs should the scenario arise.
Considering the form demonstrated throughout the series, the expectations are understandably high for Pakistan’s cricketers. Emerging from this three-match series with confidence and experience would be invaluable as they prepare for future international commitments. While South Africa continues to search for answers, Pakistan will be eyeing not just victory, but also extracting lessons from their wins to continually refine their game.
With history on the line and the spotlight firmly affixed on this showdown, fans across the globe will be eager to witness whether Pakistan can cap off their tour with another resounding victory, thereby securing their status as formidable contenders on the international cricket stage.