Batsman Hashim Amla and spearhead Dale Steyn return to bolster the South Africa squad for the third One-Day International against Pakistan today. PHOTO: FILE AFP
Both Pakistan and South Africa will be hoping for a better show from their struggling batsmen as the crucial third One-Day-International (ODI) of the five-match series takes place at the Shiekh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi today.
The series is locked at 1-1, with the Proteas registering an incredible win from a virtually impossible position in the first match in Sharjah, before a resurgent Pakistan claimed victory by 66 runs in the second match in Dubai last Friday.
South Africa are expected to include leading batsman Hashim Amla, while Dale Steyn is also projected to bolster the pace attack with his pace and swing. They may also consider replacing struggling Faf du Plessis with left-arm spinner Robin Peterson, who is also a well-rounded batsman.
“We are hoping that the changes will help, especially in the batting department,” said South Africa captain AB de Villiers. “We know we are under pressure as a batting unit and as a team. It is time to play some proper cricket.”
Tough match in a tough series: Misbah
Pakistan on the other hand are also likely to make changes in the line-up, as opener Nasir Jamshed has been woefully out of touch and has managed only a single run in the first two matches. He is likely to be replaced by Asad Shafiq, while the team management also has the option of including hard-hitting batsman Sohaib Maqsood.
Fast-bowler Wahab Riaz might also face the axe; his place may go to Abdul Rehman if the men in green opt for a four-pronged spin attack.
Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq admitted the third match is crucial.“I think this will be a tough match in a tough series and whoever wins this will have an edge in the remaining matches,” said Misbah. “It’s time the batting lifts itself because if they do well our bowling will win us more matches.”
Pakistan confirms short South Africa tour
Pakistan yesterday confirmed they would make a short tour of South Africa later this month, playing three ODIs and two Twenty20 matches.
“The series was arranged following the shortened tour by India to South Africa,” said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a statement.
The Pakistan team is expected to arrive in South Africa on November 18 and open the tour with the Twenty20 matches, in Johannesburg on November 20 and in Cape Town on November 22.
The one-day matches will be played in Cape Town (November 24), Port Elizabeth (November 27) and Centurion (November 30). Cricket South Africa chief executive Haroon Lorgat said the upcoming tour was ‘fantastic news’ for the Proteas and their fans.
“With the Indian tour having unfortunately been curtailed, we needed to give our fans the opportunity to see the Proteas in action, and I’m delighted that Pakistan accepted our offer to tour here,” the PCB statement quoted him as saying.
The PCB’s interim chairman Najam Sethi also expressed pleasure at the tour. “We are very happy to tour South Africa and to play against one of the best teams in the world,” he said. “The tour will be beneficial to both our boards and we are looking forward to build on our excellent relationship with Cricket South Africa.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 6th, 2013.
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