The third ODI between Pakistan and South Africa resumed after a rain delay, with the match now reduced to 47 overs per side
After being asked to bat first, Pakistan’s top-order woes continued as Abdullah Shafique's poor form persisted, registering a duck for the third consecutive match in the series.
Babar Azam joined opener Saim Ayub at the crease, with the pair cautiously guiding the score to 10 before rain interrupted play once again. The wet weather, which had already delayed the toss earlier in the day, forced another halt to proceedings.
The unexpected downpour forced ground staff to cover the pitch, adding to the disruption caused earlier in the day. Dark, threatening skies and damp conditions cast doubt on the prospects of completing the match.
The rain interrupted play for nearly 45 minutes, prompting the match referee to revise the match conditions.
As a result, the overs have been reduced to 47 per side. Under the revised conditions, the three powerplays will be 10, 28, and 9 overs long, respectively.
Earlier, South African captain Temba Bavuma won the toss elecgted to bowl first at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
Although Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, had already secured the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead, they were eager to finish the ODI series with a win before focusing on the upcoming two-match Test series, which begins on December 26.
Both teams had a clean run-up to the match, with the weather cooperating after a brief delay earlier in the day.
The pitch, which had been covered during rain delays, was now ready for play as the teams set up for an exciting contest.
Mohammad Hasnain, Sufiyan Muqeem and Tayyab Tahir have been included in Pakistan's squad for the third ODI against South Africa, while pacer Haris Rauf and spinner Abrar Ahmed have been left out.
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Pakistan defeated South Africa by 81 runs in the second ODI, clinching their third consecutive series win.
Set a target of 330, South Africa made a solid start but lost key wickets.
Shaheen Afridi delivered a match-winning spell, claiming four wickets, including the dismissals of Miller, Jansen, and Phehlukwayo, to leave South Africa reeling at 205/7.
Despite a valiant 97 from Klaasen, South Africa was bowled out for 248. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Afridi (4/48), Naseem Shah (3/34), and Abrar Ahmed (2/53), dominated.
Kamran Ghulam was named Player of the Match for his blistering 63 off 32 balls, which helped Pakistan post 329/7 after opting to bat first.
The match was marked by a solid partnership between Babar Azam (73) and Mohammad Rizwan (51), while Kamran Ghulam's explosive knock lifted the total in the final overs.
