GettyImages-1785918017

Setback for South Africa as key player to miss Pakistan ODIs

South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out of the Pakistan ODI series.

Maharaj suffered a left abductor strain while warming up for the first ODI between South Africa and Pakistan. The hosts have named Bjorn Fortuin as his replacement for those fixtures.

According to a CSA statement, Maharaj will return home to Durban for rehabilitation and will be assessed ahead of the first Test, starting just a week away on December 26 in Centurion.

Maharaj has been named as a part of South Africa’s Test squad for the two-game Test series that follows the three-game ODI series. The Proteas are currently atop the WTC Standings, and a win against Pakistan will ensure their participation in the final at Lord’s next year.

After losing the three-game T20I series 2-0, Pakistan fought back and clinched the first ODI by three wickets. The second ODI between the two sides will be played in Cape Town today on December 19.

NewsICC World Test ChampionshipICC World Test Championship 23-25Keshav Maharaj 02/07/1990South Africa