Afghanistan have made a total of three changes to their XI
Afghanistan Opts to Bat First Against South Africa
Afghanistan has chosen to bat after winning the toss in the third ODI against South Africa. With the series already secured at 2-0, they made three changes to their lineup. Rashid Khan, who recently dealt with a hamstring issue but took five wickets in the last match, has been left out. In his absence, Nangeyalia Kharote and AM Ghazanfar will lead the spin attack. They’ve also included 19-year-old Naveed Zadran for his second ODI appearance as an additional seamer.
Fazalhaq Farooqi has been replaced by Fareed Ahmed, while opening batsman Riaz Hassan has been swapped for Abdul Malik, who will make his ODI debut. Batting first means South Africa will face challenging conditions, with afternoon temperatures hitting 40 degrees, feeling closer to 46.
South Africa made one change from their previous match, bringing in all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo for left-arm seamer Nandre Burger. The batting lineup remains unchanged despite previous struggles against Afghanistan. Notably, neither Ottneil Baartman, a death-bowling specialist, nor seamer Lizaad Williams has played in this series.
Lineups: Afghanistan
1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
2. Abdul Malik
3. Rahmat Shah
4. Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt)
5. Azmatullah Omarzai
6. Ikram Alikhil
7. Mohammad Nabi
8. Nangeyalia Kharote
9. AM Ghazanfar
10. Fareed Ahmad
11. Naveed Zadran
South Africa:
1. Tony de Zorzi
2. Temba Bavuma (capt)
3. Reeza Hendricks
4. Aiden Markram
5. Tristan Stubbs
6. Kyle Verreynne (wk)
7. Wiaan Mulder
8. Andile Phehlukwayo
9. Bjorn Fortuin
10. Nqaba Peter
11. Lungi Ngidi
What are your thoughts on how these changes will impact the match?
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