Pakistan vs SA ODI: Faisalabad welcomes international cricket after 17 years

FAISALABAD: Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first in the opening one-day international against South Africa at the Iqbal Stadium on Tuesday, marking the return of international cricket to the city after nearly two decades.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi explained that the decision was influenced by the freshness of the pitch and the long gap since Faisalabad last hosted an ODI. “The wicket is new and there is a bit of moisture. We felt bowling first would give us an early advantage,” Afridi said.

South Africa skipper Matthew Breetzke described the surface as dry and suggested that dew could play a role later in the evening.

The match features a strong lineup from both sides. Pakistan fielded Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed.

South Africa’s XI included Quinton de Kock, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Sinethemba Qeshile, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin, Lungi Ngidi, and Lizaad Williams.

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The three-match ODI series forms part of South Africa’s tour of Pakistan, which also includes Tests and T20Is. The Test series ended in a 1-1 draw, while Pakistan claimed the T20I series 2-1.

The Iqbal Stadium last hosted an ODI on April 11, 2008, when Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets. Since then, Faisalabad has hosted a total of 16 ODIs, including four World Cup matches – one in 1987 and three in 1996. Pakistan has a strong record at the venue, winning nine of the 12 matches played here, while South Africa has won two of their five visits.

Historically, Pakistan and South Africa have faced each other 87 times in ODIs, with Pakistan winning 34 matches and South Africa 52. On Pakistani soil, both teams have won eight of 16 encounters, while in Faisalabad specifically, Pakistan leads with two wins to South Africa’s one.

The remaining ODIs of the series are scheduled for November 6 and 8, promising more cricketing action for fans in Faisalabad.