Keshav Maharaj OUT of South Africa vs Pakistan; replacement named

South African ace spinner Keshav Maharaj will miss the remainder of the ongoing ODI three-match series against Pakistan due to an injury. Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed Keshav Maharaj's absence and has included left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin for the upcoming two matches against Pakistan at home.

Keshav Maharaj sustained a groin strain during the warm-ups for the ODI series. He was then ruled out of the series opener and had to be removed from the team sheet just before the toss of the first ODI in Paarl on Tuesday. The spinner underwent further scans on Wednesday to assess the injury's severity.

Keshav Maharaj Ruled Out for Remainder of ODI Series vs Pakistan

On Thursday, Cricket South Africa confirmed that Keshav Maharaj will miss the remainder of the ODI series against Pakistan. Scans revealed he had sustained a left adductor strain.

"Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out for the remainder of the One-Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan after scans revealed a left adductor strain," read the statement from Cricket South Africa.

SQUAD UPDATE 🗞️

Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out for the remainder of the One-Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan after scans revealed a left adductor strain.

He will return home to Durban for rehabilitation and will be reassessed ahead of the first Test against… pic.twitter.com/YTg8XFGchc

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 19, 2024

South Africa included him for two crucial home matches in their final series of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle despite his injury. The Proteas currently lead the standings with a PCT of 63.330. Left-arm spin-bowling allrounder Senuran Muthusamy is the only other spinner in the squad.

South Africa needs to win one of the two remaining matches to secure a spot in the WTC 2025 final at Lord's in June next year. The first Test match will begin at SuperSport Park, Centurion, on December 26.

Bjorn Fortuin Named as Replacement for Final Two ODIs vs Pakistan

Cricket South Africa stated that Keshav Maharaj will return to Durban for rehabilitation and will be reassessed before the first Test against Pakistan. The selectors named Bjorn Fortuin as his replacement for the final two ODIs.

"He will return home to Durban for rehabilitation and will be reassessed ahead of the first Test against Pakistan. Bjorn Fortuin has been named as his replacement for the final two ODIs," the statement added.

Bjorn Fortuin last played in an ODI against Ireland in October. The left-arm spinner has taken 13 wickets in 11 matches, with an average of 29.85 and an economy rate of 4.83.

South Africa's Updated ODI Squad for Pakistan Series

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

The Mohammad Rizwan-led team leads the ODI series 1-0 after winning the series opener. Saim Ayub scored a brilliant hundred, and Salman Agha contributed with both bat and ball to help the team secure a victory. The second ODI is scheduled to be played in Cape Town on Thursday, December 19.

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