Pakistan opt to bowl in first ODI vs South Africa at Faisalabad
“Shaheen Afridi chose to bowl in the opening ODI against South Africa as ODI cricket returns to Faisalabad.”
Key points
- Shaheen Afridi chose to bowl in the opening ODI against South Africa as ODI cricket returns to Faisalabad.
- Dew and pitch conditions shaped the call, with both sides naming full-strength XIs for the three-match series.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to field in the first ODI against South Africa at Iqbal Stadium, marking the return of international one-day cricket to Faisalabad after 17 years. Captain Shaheen Afridi cited pitch freshness and expected evening dew for the decision.
South Africa skipper Matthew Breetzke anticipated a dry surface with late-day moisture influencing the chase. Playing XIs include Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for Pakistan, while Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi and Lungi Ngidi are among South Africa's starters.
The series comprises three ODIs at the same venue on November 4, 6 and 8, following a split Test series and Pakistan's 2-1 win in the preceding T20Is.
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