What decision did South Africa captain Matthew Breetzke make at the toss?

Breetzke won the toss and opted to bat first in the series-deciding third ODI against Pakistan.

Who is replacing the injured Sinethemba Qeshile in the South Africa playing XI?

Rubin Hermann, an in-form batter, is making his ODI debut as Qeshile's replacement.

What target score is South Africa aiming for in the Faisalabad ODI?

Breetzke said they are targeting a score over 290 to defend on the used pitch.

Home / Sports / Proteas Opt to Bat First in Series-Deciding ODI Clash Against Pakistan

Proteas Opt to Bat First in Series-Deciding ODI Clash Against Pakistan

8 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Proteas captain Matthew Breetzke wins toss, elects to bat first
Debutant Rubin Hermann replaces injured Sinethemba Qeshile in South Africa XI
Breetzke aims for a score over 290 to defend on the used pitch

Proteas Opt to Bat First in Series-Deciding ODI Clash Against Pakistan

On November 8, 2025, the Proteas won the toss and elected to bat first in the third and series-deciding One Day International against Pakistan at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. South Africa captain Matthew Breetzke called correctly at the toss and did not hesitate to opt to bat first, as he looked to unleash the in-form opening batters Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Quinton de Kock.

Breetzke believes that runs on the board are what is most important, as they are playing on a used pitch at the Iqbal Stadium. "We are going to put up a score and hopefully defend it. There are a lot of theories around, but we just feel that runs on the board are important, so that's what we are going for," Breetzke said at the toss.

The Proteas have also made a late change to their playing XI, with Sinethemba Qeshile, who earned his ODI debut in the first match of the series, being withdrawn due to a left fifth finger sprain injury. Left-handed batter Rubin Hermann has been named as his replacement and will be making his ODI debut. Hermann has been in good form for South Africa A, striking back-to-back centuries against New Zealand A a couple of months ago, and will be looking to continue his explosive style against Pakistan on Saturday.