Predicting Pakistan’s Playing XI for their third ODI against South Africa

Pakistan have suddenly found their verve in the fifty-over format with three successive ODI series wins in succession. It seems the decision to give Mohammad Rizwan the captaincy has worked out well for the Men in Green. Pakistan has already won the series in Australia and followed it up with another triumph in Zimbabwe.

The 81-run win over South Africa on Thursday in Cape Town has seen Pakistan pick steam ahead of the Champions Trophy at home next year. The win in Cape Town was a clinical performance by Mohammad Rizwan and his team. One of the biggest talking points was Babar Azam’s return to form who scored 73 runs. Kamran Ghulam was another player who struck with his quickfire 63 runs from 32 balls.

Mohammad Rizwan seemed happy with the way his team performed and lauded his batters and bowlers. Rizwan himself led from the front with his 80 off 82 balls being the highest scorer for the visitors. Pakistan will want to continue in the same vein of form and end the series with a 3-0 result.

Here is the likely Pakistan XI vs South Africa

Top order – Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique

Saim Ayub has been in great form as the young batter began with an imperious century in the opening game. Pakistan’s team management will be proud of the way the young batter has been scoring runs in recent times and maintaining his consistency with the bat.

Abdullah Shafique’s form in the fifty-over format will concern the Men in Green as he has scored 2 ducks in successive matches. One more failure will mean that the 25-year-old could find questions being asked about his place in the side.

Middle Order – Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha

Former skipper Babar Azam has finally found form with the bat. The 30-year-old scored 73 crucial runs in the last game to help set the base for Pakistan to score 329 runs on the board. Mohammad Rizwan has been a huge focus not only with the bat and behind the stumps but also as the captain. Rizwan has marshaled his troops well and starting to make his team look like a cohesive unit.

Salman Agha has seen his form, alongside maintaining consistency that was much needed not just with the bat but also with the ball. Agha was the match-winner in the 1^st game with 82 not out and 4/32 to show his all-round skills.

All-Rounders – Kamran Ghulam, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Afridi

Kamran Ghulam scored an imperious century on his Test debut against England recently. After a short lull in form, the batter is back to his best and provided the much-needed impetus to score a punishing 63 to take the game away from South Africa.

Irfan Khan is touted as the next big star in Pakistan cricket and his big hitting abilities need no introduction. Shaheen Afridi is more than able with the bat and his 4/47 on Thursday will show the world why he is a dangerous bowler

Bowlers – Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

Naseem Shah put in yet another amazing performance as he picked 3/37 which also included the wicket of Heinrich Klaasen. Haris Rauf was able to pick a wicket but bowled 8 overs for just 33 runs and also bowled a maiden over to keep the pressure on South Africa. Abrar Ahmed bowled 9 overs for 48 runs and got the wickets of Tony De Zorzi and Aiden Markram to swing the game in his side’s favor.

Pakistan XI vs South Africa

Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (C and WK), Salman Agha, Kamran Ghulam, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed.

Disclaimer: This exclusive news is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and intuition. While reviewing this information, consider the points discussed and form your own conclusions.

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