South Africa endured another setback as Ottneil Baartman sustained a right knee injury, ruling him out of the third ODI against Pakistan. Baartman joins Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lizaad Williams, and Anrich Nortje as the sixth South African seamer sidelined this summer.
Corbin Bosch, recently called up to the Test squad, has replaced Baartman in the ODI squad and is in contention for his Test debut against Pakistan on Boxing Day. Baartman experienced discomfort in his run-up while bowling before the second ODI in Cape Town. Although he wasn’t in the playing XI for that match, he featured in the series opener in Paarl, where he took 2 for 37 in seven overs. His next assignment will be the SA20, where he represents the Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
South Africa’s Test plans remain largely unaffected by Baartman’s injury, though Wiaan Mulder’s fitness is under watch. Mulder, recovering from a broken finger sustained during the first Test against Sri Lanka, has resumed batting practice. However, Test coach Shukri Conrad hinted at a cautious approach to his return, making his participation in the first Test at SuperSport Park uncertain.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old pacer Kwena Maphaka, who debuted in the second ODI, impressed with a 4 for 72 performance, despite South Africa’s 81-run loss. The Proteas are now aiming to regain some pride in the final ODI on Pink Day at the Wanderers on Sunday, marking their last match with a full-strength squad before next year’s Champions Trophy.
Pakistan, having already clinched the series, will look to finish on a high. South Africa, on the other hand, are keen to leave a positive impression.
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