CAPE TOWN, South Africa: South Africa chose to field first after winning the toss in the second One-Day International (ODI) of the three-match series against Pakistan at Newlands, Cape Town on Thursday.
The series holds critical importance for both teams as they continue their preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled to take place in Pakistan in February and March 2025.
Pakistan currently leads the series 1-0, following a thrilling three-wicket victory in the opening ODI at Boland Park, Paarl.
In that match, Saim Ayub’s sensational second ODI century and Salman Ali Agha’s career-best all-round performance helped Pakistan chase down a 240-run target with three balls to spare.
Salman’s unbeaten 82 off 90 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, proved decisive as he formed a crucial 33-run partnership with Naseem Shah to see the team through.
Maintaining their winning combination, Pakistan have fielded an unchanged side for the second game.
South Africa, however, have made four changes to their lineup, including the return of captain Temba Bavuma and the ODI debut of Kwena Maphaka.
Spinner Bjorn Fortuin, brought in as a replacement for the injured Keshav Maharaj, and power-hitter David Miller also make their way into the playing XI. Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Ottneil Baartman, and Kagiso Rabada make way for the new inclusions.
Pakistan Playing XI
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
South Africa Playing XI
Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (C), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Marco Jansen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Bjorn Fortuin, Kwena Maphaka, Tabraiz Shamsi
