SA vs PAK 3rd ODI: Couple welcomes newborn at The Wanderers, heartwarming announcement on big screen

New Delhi: The big screen at The Wanderers Stadium displayed a touching message congratulating the couple on the arrival of their newborn son. Adding to the joy, another couple exchanged engagement vows during the SA vs PAK 3rd ODI at the venue, making it a memorable day for everyone present.

A couple welcomed their child at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg during the SA vs PAK 3rd ODI on December 22, 2024. A message on the big screen congratulated Mr. and Mrs. Rabeng on the birth of their healthy son at “The Bullring.” Known for its intense atmosphere, The Wanderers Stadium is affectionately called “The Bullring,” often putting visiting teams under pressure. The announcement of the birth went viral, while another couple got engaged on the sidelines of the ‘Pink’ ODI, adding to the memorable moments at the iconic venue.

Did someone really just have a baby at the wanderers???? pic.twitter.com/R8zXJpj46M

— Emma Sadleir Berkowitz (@EmmaSadleir) December 22, 2024

Put in to bat, Pakistan got off to a shaky start as opener Abdullah Shafique was dismissed on his very first ball. However, Saim Ayub and ICC’s top-ranked ODI batter Babar Azam steadied the innings, putting on a commanding 115-run partnership.

Babar Azam’s impressive 52-run knock came to an end, but it provided a solid platform for skipper Mohammad Rizwan to capitalize on. Rizwan hit the ground running with 53 off 52, forming a resilient 93-run partnership with Saim Ayub.

Ayub’s scintillating third ODI century was cut short when Corbin Bosch’s clever delivery forced an edge to Heinrich Klaasen behind the stumps. Late contributions from Salman Agha and Tayyab Tahir lifted Pakistan to a competitive total of 308/9.

Despite a quick start in reply, racing to 24/0 in the first three overs, Pakistan struck through pace bowler Naseem Shah, as Temba Bavuma picked out Saim Ayub at point. Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen set about rebuilding after the loss of Tony de Zorzi (26), but Markram fell to one of Sufiyan Muqeem’s four wickets (19).

Muqeem (4/52 off eight overs) also dismissed the counter-attacking Marco Jansen (26 off 22 balls) before returning to clean up the Proteas’ tail at the 42-over mark, completing the victory.

The result sealed a near-perfect series for Pakistan. In the first ODI at Paarl, South Africa managed 239/9, anchored by Heinrich Klaasen’s solid 86. Pakistan’s Salman Agha delivered a standout performance with the ball, claiming 4/32 to stifle the Proteas’ momentum.

South Africa v Pakistan, 1st ODI – Scorecard

Chasing 240, Pakistan faced early hurdles, but Saim Ayub’s brilliant 109 and Agha’s unbeaten 82 powered them to a thrilling three-wicket victory with three balls to spare, giving Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the series.

In the second ODI at Newlands, Pakistan posted a formidable 329, thanks to skipper Rizwan’s classy 80, Babar Azam’s 73, and Kamran Ghulam’s explosive 63 off 32 balls.

South Africa’s chase faltered despite Klaasen’s determined 97, as Shaheen Afridi’s 4/47 dismantled their batting lineup. The Proteas were bowled out for 248 in 43.1 overs, handing Pakistan an 81-run win and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.