Pakistan have never won an ODI series against South Africa on home soil, and victory in today’s match would not only double their joy but also secure their first-ever home series triumph against the Proteas.

The Green Shirts currently lead the three-match series 1–0.

The team management is unlikely to make any changes to the playing XI for today’s game.

In the opening match, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who was recently relieved of captaincy duties, played a crucial half-century under pressure to guide Pakistan to victory.

Speaking after the match, Rizwan said, “Shaheen (Afridi) was my captain before and still is. Some things are not in our control — these are management and selection committee decisions. My job is to keep working hard, and I’m doing that.”

He added, “During my captaincy, all my teammates were captains too, so nothing has changed in our relationship. I’m still sharing my thoughts with Shaheen where I can. Salman Ali Agha and I should have finished the game, but I’m happy we contributed.”

Rizwan also praised the home crowd for their sportsmanship.

“Our fans not only support us but also cheer for the visiting side — even the South African players were surprised to see that,” he said.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, while speaking after the match, said the team would aim to avoid repeating mistakes in the coming games.

“It happens with us often, but we’ll try not to repeat such errors,” he said, thanking the large Faisalabad crowd for turning up in huge numbers.

South African skipper Matthew Breetzke said his side fell short of a competitive total.

“We were probably 20 to 30 runs short, but I’m proud of how our bowlers fought till the last over,” he said.