South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first against Pakistan in the third and final ODI of the three-match series here at the Iqbal Cricket Stadium in Faisalabad.
Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim have been rested, Shaheen Afridi said. Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf are back in the starting line-up. Rubin Hermann makes his debut and Ngidi replaces Linde for South Africa.
In the previous match, South Africa put up an impressive batting display, comfortably chasing a target of 270 runs to beat Pakistan by eight wickets.
The resounding win helped South Africa level the series at 1-1 against Pakistan, with the third and final ODI to be played at the same venue on Saturday.
The touring side made light work of Pakistan’s set target of 270 runs as they reached the total at the loss of just two wickets and 59 balls to spare.
South Africa got off to a flamboyant start to the chase, thanks to a smooth 81-run scoreline between openers Lhuan-dre Pretorius and de Kock.
The returning Mohammad Wasim Jr. provided the much-needed breakthrough in the 12th over by putting Pretorius behind. The opener made a 40-ball 46 with the help of seven fours and a six.
After his dismissal, Tony de Zorzi joined De Kock in the middle, and the duo strengthened South Africa’s position by putting together 153 runs for the second wicket.
The match-defining partnership culminated in the 35th over when Faheem Ashraf got De Zorzi on point. He walked back after scoring a brisk 76 off just 63 deliveries, hitting nine fours and three sixes.
Quinton de Kock, on the other hand, carried his bat all the way and top-scored with an unbeaten 123 off 119 deliveries, studded with eight fours and seven sixes. He received notable support from captain Matthew Breetzke, who made 16 from 20 balls.
For Pakistan, Wasim Jr and Faheem were able to take a wicket each.
The home side opted to bat first and finished at 269/9 in the allotted 50 overs, thanks to a late charge.
