Usman Qadir debut: Why is Rassie van der Dussen not playing today’s 3rd ODI between SA vs PAK in Centurion?

Usman Qadir debut: Both the teams have made wholesome changes in the series-decider at the SuperSport Park today.

During the third ODI of the ongoing Pakistan’s tour of South Africa in Centurion, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has won the toss and opted to field in the series-decider.

“We looked at overhead conditions and we think in the morning their might be a bit of swing to exploit. Defending here on the Highveld is a challenge,” Bavuma told Super Sports at the toss.

With as many as five players departing for Indian Premier League 2021, South Africa have had to make forced changes as they will be without their first-choice players. Additionally, batsman Rassie van der Dussen has been ruled out of this match due to a quadricep strain and spinner Tabraiz Shami has been benched.

Therefore, the likes of Janneman Malan, Jon-Jon Smuts, Kyle Veereynne, Keshav Maharaj, Daryn Dupavillon, Beuran Hendricks and Lutho Sipamla have been included for Quinton de Kock, van der Dussen, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi and Shamsi.

Usman Qadir handed ODI debut in Centurion ODI

As far as the visitors are concerned, captain Babar Azam laid emphasis on them wanting to register a 300+ score in the first innings. In a bid to field their best combination at the SuperSport Park, Pakistan have also made four changes to their Playing XI.

It is worth mentioning that former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, all-rounder Mohammed Nawaz, fast bowler Hasan Ali and spinner Usman Qadir have replaced players such as Danish Aziz, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Hasnain. Qadir, 27, who has played six T20Is for Pakistan in the past, has become their 230th ODI player.

With SA missing it’s main players,it was an ideal opportunity to play Haider Ali,need to invest in guys who have shown potential and build their confidence. #SAvPAK

— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) April 7, 2021

“The wicket is very good. We are aiming for 300.We have left the previous match behind. Today’s match is very important. We have four changes. A lot of experience players come in,” Azam told Super Sports at the toss.

About the author

Dixit Bhargav

Born and brought up in Pathankot, Dixit Bhargav is an engineering and sports management graduate who works as a Cricket Editor at The SportsRush. Having written more than 10,000 articles across more than five years at TSR, his first cricketing memory dates back to 2002 when former India captain Sourav Ganguly had waved his jersey at the historic Lord’s balcony. What followed for an 8-year-old was an instant adulation for both Ganguly and the sport. The optimist in him is waiting for the day when Punjab Kings will win their maiden Indian Premier League title. When not watching cricket, he is mostly found in a cinema hall watching a Punjabi movie.

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