JOHANNESBURG: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the playing XI for the third ODI against South Africa, introducing uncapped left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem. Pakistan, currently holding a strong 2-0 lead, aims for a clean sweep of the three-match series. The team has made three changes: middle-order batter Tayyab Tahir, fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain, and the debutant Sufiyan have replaced Muhammad Irfan Khan, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed, respectively.
Sufiyan's selection is notable as it follows his impressive performances during the recent T20I series against Zimbabwe, where he showcased outstanding skills with record figures of 5 wickets for just 3 runs. This achievement has not only drawn attention but also reflects the PCB's commitment to nurturing upcoming talent within the national squad.
Despite struggling with poor performances, Abdullah Shafique retains his spot at the top of the batting order and will be partnered with the in-form Saim Ayub. Notably, Babar Azam continues to bat at number three, with skipper Mohammad Rizwan, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, and Tayyab Tahir forming the middle order. On the bowling front, Shaheen Shah Afridi leads Pakistan’s pace attack, supported by Naseem Shah and Hasnain.
Pakistan's Playing XI is as follows: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, and Sufiyan Muqeem.
During the match at the Wanderers Stadium, Sufiyan Muqeem made quite the debut impact, marking his presence effectively on his very first ball by dismissing South Africa's Aiden Markram for 19 runs. Markram appeared settled when he faced Muqeem but unfortunately mis-hit the delivery, leading to a straightforward catch by Kamran Ghulam. The loss of Markram came at a regrettable moment for South Africa, as they were aiming to chase down 309 runs against Pakistan to avoid conceding the series.
South Africa's innings faced immediate setbacks with early dismissals of Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi. Bavuma, falling prey to Naseem Shah's outswinger, and de Zorzi, dealing with notable pace from Shaheen Shah Afridi, left the Proteas struggling and seeking stability at 53 for 2.
Meanwhile, during Pakistan’s innings, Saim Ayub achieved his exceptional century, supported by key contributions from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Ayub's remarkable innings, which totaled 100 runs, laid the foundation for Pakistan's total of 308-9. Rizwan added 52 runs, and Babar Azam contributed with 57 runs, demonstrating the team's batting strength.
Despite facing several quick dismissals toward the end of the innings, which highlighted some despair, the earlier contributions ensured Pakistan laid out enough runs for their bowlers to defend. The final score showcased not only individual brilliance but collective skills from the team.
Following the match, the overall performance from the team, especially by debutant Sufiyan, showcased the effectiveness of PCB's strategy to rotate players and provide opportunities to young talent. Pakistan’s approach is evidently paying off as they look to build toward upcoming major tournaments, utilizing fresh talents like Sufiyan Muqeem to strengthen their team dynamics.
This series, focusing not only on the competitive edge but also on nurturing the future of cricket for Pakistan, gave Sufiyan Muqeem the pedestal to launch his ODI career amid high expectations and performances by the entire squad.
