Big blow to South Africa ahead of first Pakistan ODI

South Africa suffered a major blow ahead of the first of three-match ODI series against Pakistan starting from today (Tuesday).

South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma will miss the opening ODI in Paarl as part of a strategic move to manage his workload ahead of the crucial two-Test series.

Aiden Markram has been named stand-in captain for the first match. However, Bavuma expected to return for the remainder of the series.

The decision is part of South Africa’s efforts to balance player workload and readiness for the ICC Champions Trophy and key World Test Championship series against Pakistan.  The Proteas are in line to secure a WTC final spot.

Eight players from South Africa’s ODI squad, including Bavuma, Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada, were part of the recent 2-0 Test series triumph over Sri Lanka.

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma addressed the team’s strategy amid injury concerns.

“Not everyone that we’d normally call upon is around because of injuries,” Bavuma said.

“We’ve got bowlers within the squad, so we’d like to give guys opportunities, rest certain players, and try to balance it out as best as we can.”