South Africa Hit by Double Injury Blow as Burger and de Zorzi Miss Series-Deciding ODI

South Africa got a major setback before the series-deciding 3rd ODI against India as Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi pulled out with hamstring injuries. Their exit can disrupt South Africa’s plans, especially after both players played major roles earlier in the tour.

Burger’s Hamstring Issue Ends His ODI Involvement

Tension rises in South Africa's lineup as Burger left the field midway through the 2nd ODI in Raipur after pulling up during his follow-through. The left-arm quick underwent scans on Friday, and the results confirmed a hamstring injury severe enough to end his participation in the final ODI. His loss hurts South Africa’s new-ball combination, which relied heavily on his swing and early breakthroughs.

De Zorzi Retires Hurt and Misses Two Formats

De Zorzi added another concern when he strained his right hamstring during the closing overs of South Africa’s chase in Raipur. He retired hurt on 17 after the 45th over and could not continue. Scans ruled him out of the 3rd ODI and the upcoming five-match T20I series. 

CSA stated, "De Zorzi has also been ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20I series against India, which gets underway on Tuesday, and will return home." His withdrawal leaves a clear vacancy at the top of the order.

More Changes as Maphaka Withdraws From T20Is

South Africa made another change when fast bowler Kwena Maphaka exited the T20I squad because his hamstring rehabilitation stalled. CSA said he did not “progress as expected during the final phase of his rehabilitation.” Lutho Sipamla entered the squad to restore bowling depth.

Updated South Africa T20I Squad:

Aiden Markram (c), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock (wk), Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Lutho Sipamla, and Tristan Stubbs.