Today Cricket Match: PAK vs SA, 3rd ODI, Match Prediction, Preview, Playing11, Pitch and Weather Report

PAK vs SA 3rd ODI Match Preview – It all comes down to this. After a thrilling series that has seen both teams trade heavy blows, Pakistan and South Africa lock horns one last time in the third and final One-Day International at the Iqbal Stadium today. With the series tantalizingly poised at 1-1, this match transforms from a mere bilateral contest into a high-stakes final, where the winner takes all.

South Africa, led by Matthew Breetzke, bounced back in stunning fashion in the second ODI. After a narrow two-wicket loss in the series opener, the Proteas put on a dominant display, hammering Pakistan by eight wickets. The revival was spearheaded by the magnificent Quinton de Kock, who turned back the clock with an unbeaten 123, reminding the world of his class. He was ably supported by paceman Nandre Burger, who scythed through Pakistan’s top order with a fiery 4-wicket haul.

For Pakistan, captain Shaheen Afridi will be demanding a sharp response. Their top-order, including the prolific Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, faltered in the last game, putting immense pressure on the middle order. While Salman Agha (69) and Saim Ayub (53) showed grit, the hosts were unable to post a total that could challenge the in-form de Kock. In front of their home crowd, the Men in Green will be desperate to fix their batting woes and clinch the series.

PAK vs SA 3rd ODI Match Details

PAK vs SA Pitch Report: Iqbal Stadium

The Iqbal Stadium has been a batting paradise in the first two games. The pitch is flat, hard, and offers excellent value for shots, with the ball coming onto the bat nicely. Bowlers have found very little assistance, with pace bowlers needing to be precise and spinners struggling to find significant turn.

Chasing has been the preferred option. In the second ODI, dew made it difficult for Pakistan’s bowlers to grip the wet ball, allowing South Africa to chase down 270 with ease. Expect the captain winning the toss to put the opposition in to bat first once again. Another high-scoring encounter is firmly on the cards.

PAK vs SA Weather Report

It is a perfect day for cricket in Faisalabad. The forecast is bright and sunny with zero chance of rain. The temperature will be pleasant, hovering around 27°C during the day. With no weather interruptions expected, fans are guaranteed a full, uninterrupted 100-over contest to decide the series.

PAK vs SA Probable Playing11

Both teams are likely to stick with their combinations from the previous match, though Pakistan might consider bringing in Abrar Ahmed for more spin variety.

Pakistan (PAK): Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi (c), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah.

South Africa (SA): Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Quinton de Kock (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke (c), Sinethemba Qeshile, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin, Nandre Burger, Nqabayomzi Peter.

PAK vs SA Squads

Pakistan Squad: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi(c), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Faisal Akram, Haseebullah Khan, Hasan Nawaz.

South Africa Squad: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Quinton de Kock(w), Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke(c), Sinethemba Qeshile, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin, Nandre Burger, Nqabayomzi Peter, Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman, Rubin Hermann.

PAK vs SA Match Prediction

This is an incredibly tough match to call. South Africa enters with a surge of momentum, driven by Quinton de Kock’s batting masterclass and Nandre Burger’s pace. Their top order looks confident, and they have successfully breached Pakistan’s new-ball attack.

However, Pakistan is a formidable side at home. The likelihood of their world-class top order, especially Babar Azam, failing three times in a row is slim. If Pakistan’s batters can set a formidable total (300+), their potent bowling lineup, led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, becomes a different beast, even on a flat track.

The match will likely be decided by two key factors: the toss and Pakistan’s top-order performance. The team chasing will have a significant advantage. Given the home conditions and the pressure of a final, we are backing Pakistan’s experienced batting to click and their pace attack to deliver under pressure.

Prediction: Pakistan to win a close encounter.