FAISALABAD: After a scrappy win in the opening One-day International against South Africa, Pakistan’s frailties with both bat and ball resurfaced in the second match. As the three-match series stands level at 1-1, the hosts will have a point to prove when they take the field for the decisive fixture at the Iqbal Stadium on Saturday.

Under newly-appointed ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan stumbled to a two-wicket victory in the series opener, surviving a late collapse to cross the finish line. Two days later, they were undone by South Africa’s left-arm pacer Nandre Burger and veteran opener Quinton de Kock, who combined to seal an emphatic win for the visitors.

For Shaheen and his men, the stakes are high as Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium — hosting its first international series in 17 years — prepares for another packed crowd. A complete all-round performance will be required if Pakistan are to clinch their first home ODI series win since 2022, when they defeated the same opponents away from home.

With Pakistan fielding a full-strength squad against a largely second-string South African side, pride as much as points will be on the line. For that to materialise, Shaheen and batting mainstay Babar Azam — the side’s two senior-most players — will need to produce match-defining performances.

Babar, who had shown signs of regaining form with a half-century in the T20I decider last week, has managed scores of only seven and 11 in the two ODIs. Shaheen, meanwhile, has struggled to make an impact with the ball, taking just one wicket in the series so far, and has found himself under scrutiny in his first assignment as captain.

Pakistan’s fielding has also been a concern, with dropped catches and misfields proving costly in the previous match. The lapses meant that half-centuries from Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Nawaz — which had rescued Pakistan from a shaky 22-3 to a respectable 269-9 — went in vain.

“I think Saim and Agha did really well, and their partnership helped us,” Shaheen said after the second ODI. “After losing three wickets early, we thought 270 was a good score, but dropped catches cost us. We will come back strongly.”

Babar, too, will be aware of the expectations of Faisalabad’s cricket-hungry crowd, many of whom have turned up in large numbers across the first two games. A strong innings from the former captain could well anchor Pakistan’s batting effort, provided the middle order builds on recent signs of stability.

Pakistan’s management, led by coach Mike Hesson, faces a few tactical decisions. The team used eight bowling options in the last match, reflecting Hesson’s all-rounder-centric approach that has drawn some criticism. While the strategy adds depth to the batting order, it has occasionally left the side short of a cutting edge with the ball.

Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who took 3-53 in the opening match, could return to the XI after being left out for the second ODI. There is also a chance of an appearance for left-arm wrist spinner Faisal Akram, whose variation could test South Africa’s middle order.

The visitors, meanwhile, have been buoyed by de Kock’s return to form. The wicketkeeper-batter’s unbeaten 123 in the second ODI — his 22nd career century — underlined his experience and timing. Burger’s four-wicket burst with the new ball exposed Pakistan’s vulnerability against pace, while stand-in captain Matthew Breetzke has shown steady form at the top.

South Africa’s attack, featuring Burger, Nqabayomzi Peter and Lungi Ngidi, will once again test Pakistan’s consistency, while spinners Bjorn Fortuin and George Linde may come into play if the surface slows down under lights.

Squads:

PAKISTAN: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha

SOUTH AFRICA: Matthew Breetzke (captain), Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2025