December 19, 2024: Keshav Maharaj’s injury comes as a significant blow to South Africa ahead of the crucial second and third ODIs against Pakistan. The left-arm spinner, who was expected to play an important role in the series, suffered a left abductor strain while warming up for the first ODI. His absence for the remainder of the ODI series means South Africa will have to adjust their bowling attack for the final two matches.
Bjorn Fortuin, the slow left-arm orthodox bowler, has been called up as a replacement for Maharaj. Fortuin’s inclusion in the squad brings a fresh dynamic to South Africa’s bowling options. While Maharaj’s experience and consistency were key to the Proteas’ attack, Fortuin is a promising talent with a solid domestic record, and he will be keen to make an impact.
Maharaj will return to Durban for rehabilitation and will be assessed ahead of the first Test match against Pakistan, which starts on December 26 in Centurion. His recovery is crucial, as he is part of South Africa’s Test squad for the upcoming series. The Proteas are currently at the top of the World Test Championship standings, and a win in the Test series will solidify their position and take them a step closer to the final at Lord’s next year.
South Africa’s series against Pakistan has been hard-fought. After losing the three-match T20I series 2-0, the Proteas fought back in the first ODI but were narrowly defeated by three wickets. The second ODI in Cape Town on December 19, and the third ODI in Johannesburg on December 22, will be crucial for the South African team as they aim to level the series and build momentum for the Test series.
With the updated squad including key players like Temba Bavuma (captain), Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, and Kagiso Rabada, South Africa still has plenty of firepower in both batting and bowling. Their depth will be tested in Maharaj’s absence, but they will be hopeful that Fortuin can step up and provide valuable spin options in the middle overs.
South Africa’s Updated ODI Squad:
- Temba Bavuma (c)
- Ottneil Baartman
- Tony de Zorzi
- Marco Jansen
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Bjorn Fortuin
- Kwena Maphaka
- Aiden Markram
- David Miller
- Andile Phehlukwayo
- Kagiso Rabada
- Tristan Stubbs
- Ryan Rickelton
- Tabraiz Shamsi
- Rassie van der Dussen
With just two ODIs left before the Test series, South Africa will be looking to bounce back after the loss in the first ODI and strengthen their preparations for the longer format. The performance of players like Rabada, Markram, and Shamsi in the remaining ODIs will be key in helping them maintain confidence heading into the Test matches.
It will also be interesting to see how Pakistan fares in the remaining ODIs. After their win in the first match, they will be determined to extend their lead, but with strong opposition like South Africa, the next two games are expected to be closely contested.
