- Pakistan drop Danish Aziz, Asif Ali and Shadab Khan, include Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammed Nawaz, and Usman Qadir.
- Pakistan team captain Babar Azam says team will try to set a target of 300 or above.
- South Africa captain Temba Bavuma hopes to exploit “overhead conditions” by bowling first.
CENTURION: Pakistan were asked to bat first by South Africa captain Temba Bavuma after winning the toss, with both sides making major changes to their playing 11.
Pakistan have dropped Danish Aziz, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan and included Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammed Nawaz, and Usman Qadir as their replacements.
This will be former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed’s first ODI game in 15 months. He will also be wicketkeeping during the deciding match.
Meanwhile, Asif Ali and Danish Aziz were dropped from the team following their poor performance in the first two matches.
Usman Qadir was included in the squad after Shadab Khan was ruled out due to a toe injury.
Pakistan team captain Babar Azam said the pitch is “very good”, adding that the team will try to set a target of 300 or above.
“We have left the previous match behind. Today’s match is very important. We have four changes. A lot of experienced players have come in,” said Azam during the toss.
South Africa captain Bavuma explained that he hoped to bowl first as the “overhead conditions” suggests that there “might be a bit of swing” in the morning.
“Defending here on the Highveld is a challenge,” said the South African skipper.