When and Where to Watch South Africa vs Pakistan, Live Streaming, Match Preview, Timings, and Pitch Report for 3rd ODI

Pakistan was reeling at the end of the 38th over with their scorecard reading 205/7 in the second ODI. The visitors were still 137 runs away from the target of 342 set by South Africa, and there were only 12 overs left. It looked as if the Proteas would inflict a crushing defeat on the Babar Azam-led side.

But then, Fakhar Zaman fought, and he fought like a warrior. In what will go down as one of the greatest knocks in a losing cause in ODI cricket, Zaman plundered a 155 ball 193 to send jitters in the South African camp. But then, Quinton De Kock’s controversial gesture from behind the stumps resulted in Zaman’s run out. The left-hander was dismissed 7 runs short of a well-deserved double century, and Pakistan ended their innings with their scorecard reading 324/9. And in the end, Babar Azam and his men fell short of the South African total by 17 runs.

And now, we are poised for a tantalizing finish to the series. Both sides will be looking to land the knockout punch when they square off in the final ODI on 7th April 2021. South Africa will be missing a number of key players in the final rubber, as the likes of Quinton De Kock, Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, and Lungi Ngidi have all departed to India for the 14th edition of the IPL. This will provide an opportunity to a number of other players in the South African camp to prove their worth in the absence of these stalwarts.

Pitch and Conditions

Babar Azam and Rassie Van Der Dussen showed in the first ODI that the batsmen can score runs on this pitch if they spend sufficient time out in the middle. The bowlers will surely get some purchase early on as well. Expect an even contest between bat and ball.

Playing Combinations for South Africa vs Pakistan

South Africa

South Africa will have to make a spree of changes, as five of their first-choice players have departed to India for the 14th edition of the IPL. The likes of Janemann Malan, JJ Smuts, Wiann Mulder, Beuran Hendricks, and Lutho Sipamla are likely to find a place in the playing XI on Wednesday.

Predicted Playing XI: Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, Rassie Van Der Dussen, JJ Smuts, Heinrich Klaasen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Wiann Mulder, Junior Dala/Beuran Hendricks, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lutho Sipamla

Pakistan

Pakistan is likely to make two changes. All-rounder Shadab Khan injured his toe in the second ODI and is ruled out of the entire limited-overs series against the Proteas, and Usman Qadir will take Shadab’s place in the side. Also, Asif Ali is likely to be dropped and will be replaced by Haider Ali.

Predicted Playing XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan, Haider Ali, Danish Aziz, Usman Qadir, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain

South Africa vs Pakistan Head-to-Head

Played – 81 | South Africa – 51 | Pakistan – 29 | NR – 1

South Africa vs Pakistan Broadcast Details

Match Timings – 1:30 PM (IST)

TV – Star Sports Network

Live Streaming – Hotstar