South Africa suffer major blow ahead of final ODI against Pakistan

South Africa has suffered a significant setback ahead of the third ODI against Pakistan, with fast bowler Ottneil Baartman ruled out of the match due to a knee injury.

The 27-year-old sustained the injury during his run-up while bowling in the lead-up to the second ODI, prompting the South African team management to rest him for the match.

Baartman, who played in the series opener and impressed with figures of 2/37, had been expected to recover in time for the third match.

However, his condition worsened, and he was ultimately deemed unfit to take part in the final game of the series, which is set to be held on Sunday, 22nd December, at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.

This injury adds to South Africa's mounting injury woes, with Baartman becoming the sixth fast bowler to be sidelined in recent months. Along with Baartman, players such as Gerald Coetzee, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lizaad Williams, and Anrich Nortje have all been ruled out due to injuries, leaving the team with limited options in the bowling department.

Baartman’s absence is the second blow for South Africa in this ongoing series after Keshav Maharaj was also forced out due to injury before the series started.

The team’s bowling attack, already struggling with injuries, has been further depleted as they head into the final match, which has already been secured by Pakistan after two outstanding performances in the first two ODIs.

In a move to cover for Baartman’s absence, South Africa have called up Corbin Bosch to the squad. Bosch, who recently earned his first Test call-up, is also expected to make his debut in the third ODI against Pakistan. His addition to the squad will provide South Africa with a much-needed fresh option in their attack.

Baartman’s injury is especially disappointing for the South African team, which has already lost the series to Pakistan.

The hosts will now aim to avoid a clean sweep and secure a win in the third ODI. The match is set to be a pink ODI, and South Africa will be looking to gain some momentum ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they will face stiff competition.

Before the tournament, the Pakistan National Cricket Team will be hosting South Africa and New Zealand in a tri-series, which will provide further opportunities for both teams to prepare for the tournament.

Baartman is expected to make his return through the SA20 2025, where he will represent the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, marking his recovery and return to competitive cricket. For now, however, South Africa will have to manage without the fast bowler in their final ODI against Pakistan.