After a left adductor strain sidelined spinner Keshav Maharaj, South Africa lost a key player before the second ODI against Pakistan. Maharaj, who injured himself in warm-ups before Tuesday’s opening ODI in Paarl, will miss the contests. Left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin will replace him on the Proteas squad.
Before the Boxing Day first Test against Pakistan, the 34-year-old will return to Durban for rehabilitation and fitness testing. When Maharaj got injured before the toss, Andile Phehlukwayo replaced him in the opening ODI. Fortuin, who has 13 wickets in 11 ODIs, will join the squad for the rest of the series. He last played Ireland in Abu Dhabi in October.
Proteas Test coach Shukri Conrad said losing Maharaj would be a significant blow before the injury was confirmed.
“He’s a calm changeroom presence and has had great performances in recent months. He, Marco (Jansen), and (Kagiso Rabada) will grab most of the 20 wickets we need to win a Test, said Conrad. South Africa is missing Gerald Coetzee, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi, and Anrich Nortjé due to injuries.
Pakistan won the series opener by three wickets, taking a 1-0 lead. South Africa scored 239/9 in 50 overs, led by Heinrich Klaasen’s 86. Four wickets from Pakistan spinners headed by Agha, Abrar Ahmed, and Shaheen Afridi penetrated the middle order.
The team lost four wickets for 60 runs early in the chase, but Ayub’s 109 and Agha’s 82* saved it. Pakistan won with 242/7 in 49.3 overs thanks to Agha despite a late collapse.
