Injury crisis hits SA ahead of 3rd ODI

South Africa quick Ottneil Baartman will miss the third and final ODI against Pakistan after suffering a right knee injury. Photo: AFP

South Africa has suffered a significant setback ahead of the third ODI against Pakistan, with fast bowler Ottneil Baartman ruled out of the match due to a knee injury.

The 27-year-old sustained the injury during his run-up while bowling in the lead-up to the second ODI, prompting the South African team management to rest him for the match.

Baartman, who played in the series opener and impressed with figures of 2/37, had been expected to recover in time for the third match.

However, his condition worsened, and he was ultimately deemed unfit to take part in the final game of the series, which is set to be held on Sunday, 22nd December, at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.

This injury adds to South Africa's mounting injury woes, with Baartman becoming the sixth fast bowler to be sidelined in recent months. Along with Baartman, players such as Gerald Coetzee, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lizaad Williams, and Anrich Nortje have all been ruled out due to injuries, leaving the team with limited options in the bowling department.

Baartman's absence is the second blow for South Africa in this ongoing series after Keshav Maharaj was also forced out due to injury before the series started.

The team's bowling attack, already struggling with injuries, has been further depleted as they head into the final match, which has already been secured by Pakistan after two outstanding performances in the first two ODIs.

In a move to cover for Baartman's absence, South Africa have called up Corbin Bosch to the squad. Bosch, who recently earned his first Test call-up, is also expected to make his debut in the third ODI against Pakistan. His addition to the squad will provide South Africa with a much-needed fresh option in their attack.

Baartman's injury is especially disappointing for the South African team, which has already lost the series to Pakistan.

The hosts will now aim to avoid a clean sweep and secure a win in the third ODI. The match is set to be a pink ODI, and South Africa will be looking to gain some momentum ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they will face stiff competition.

Before the tournament, the Pakistan National Cricket Team will be hosting South Africa and New Zealand in a tri-series, which will provide further opportunities for both teams to prepare for the tournament.

Baartman is expected to make his return through the SA20 2025, where he will represent the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, marking his recovery and return to competitive cricket. For now, however, South Africa will have to manage without the fast bowler in their final ODI against Pakistan.

Record breaking Babar

All eyes will be on Pakistan's Babar Azam, when the two side meet in the third ODI.

Babar Azam is approaching a historic milestone in ODI cricket, with a remarkable achievement that will see him surpass modern greats Virat Kohli and Hashim Amla.

The internationally top-ranked ODI batsman is poised to become the fastest player to reach 6,000 runs in the format.

South Africa's hashim Amla currently holds the record with 6,000 runs in 123 innings, while Babar has played 119 innings, bringing him within striking distance of this remarkable feat. Meanhile India's Virat Kohli score 6,000 runs in 136 innings.

Babar's recent performance in the second ODI against South Africa on December 19 marked his return to form, as he scored a vital 73 runs off 95 balls, leading Pakistan to an 81-run victory.

In the series-clinching second ODI against South Africa, Babar Azam scored his first ODI fifty since last year's World Cup, sharing a century partnership with Mohammad Rizwan.

With the half-ton Babar surpassed MS Dhoni's record for most half-centuries against the "SENA countries" (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia).

Dhoni had held the record with 38, but Babar now leads with 39.

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