South Africa suffer major blow as key player ruled out of Pakistan ODIs

South Africa suffered a major setback ahead of the second ODI against Pakistan, as left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out of the ongoing series.

Maharaj suffered a groin strain just before the first ODI against Pakistan on Tuesday and was replaced by all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo in South Africa’s Playing XI.

Following the injury, Maharaj underwent a series of scans to evaluate the extent of the damage. The results confirmed that he is dealing with a left adductor strain.

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As a precautionary measure, he will be returning to his home in Durban for rehabilitation. His recovery will be closely monitored, and he will undergo a reassessment in preparation for the first Test match against Pakistan.

South Africa have named left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin as a replacement for Keshav Maharaj for the remaining ODIs against Pakistan.

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Notably, the second ODI between Pakistan and South Africa is set to take place in Cape Town today, followed by the third match on December 21 in Johannesburg.

Meanwhile, the two-match Test series will kick off in Centurion on December 26, followed by the second Test in Cape Town, starting from January 3.

South Africa ODI Squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Ottneil Baartman, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Bjorn Fortuin, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen

South Africa Test Squad: Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk)

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