Injuries Strike South Africa Ahead of ODI Decider Against India

Injury Setbacks for South Africa

As South Africa prepares for the third ODI against India, the team faces a significant setback with the absence of seamer Nandre Burger and batter Tony de Zorzi due to injuries. Burger reported discomfort in his right hamstring while bowling during the second ODI, and de Zorzi experienced similar pain while batting, which forced him to exit the match early during the run chase.

Injury Updates and Squad Changes

Both players underwent scans on Friday that confirmed the severity of their injuries. De Zorzi will also miss the upcoming five-match T20 International series against India, which begins on Tuesday, and will return home without a replacement being named for him. Additionally, fast bowler Kwena Maphaka has not met recovery expectations from his left hamstring injury and will not be available for the T20I series, leading to his withdrawal from the squad. Seamer Lutho Sipamla has been added to the team in his place.

Deciding ODI Match in Visakhapatnam

The series-deciding third ODI will see KL Rahul's India face off against Temba Bavuma's South Africa at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. The series is currently tied at 1-1, with India winning the first match in Ranchi and South Africa equalizing in Raipur.

In both previous encounters, the teams batted first, scoring over 340 runs. Virat Kohli has been in exceptional form, achieving two consecutive centuries, while Kuldeep Yadav leads the wicket tally in the series with five wickets across two matches.

Current South Africa Squad

The South Africa squad includes: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock (w), Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Ottneil Baartman, Rubin Hermann, and Prenelan Subrayen.