South Africa Choose to Bat in Faisalabad Decider as De Kock Leads Confident Start

South Africa backed their batting strength in the series decider in Faisalabad. Matthew Breetzke won the toss on a warm Saturday afternoon and chose to bat first at Iqbal Stadium, setting the tone for a contest that carries weight for both teams. 

The three-match ODI series stands at 1–1, and the final game has already drawn a loud, energetic crowd.

The visitors walked in with purpose. Quinton de Kock opened with Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and the pair settled quickly. De Kock looked fluent from the start, driving through the line and picking gaps with ease. 

Pretorius matched him with tidy stroke play, rotating the strike and ensuring South Africa moved ahead without early panic. Their intent showed. They read the surface early. The pitch offered a gentle bounce but nothing alarming, and the outfield carried the ball cleanly.

Pakistan is trying to break through with pace first. Shaheen Afridi is looking for swing, Saim Ayub is testing Pretorius with movement away from the bat. 

Today, de Kock is looking for anything full, and Pretorius is waiting for width. The home side knows the importance of early strikes in Faisalabad. The pitch tends to slow down, and chasing under lights can get tricky. 

A breakthrough in the powerplay could shift the tone of the match, but Pakistan didn’t find it in the early stages.

South Africa: 47/0  (10 overs)

The decider now leans on momentum. South Africa wants control through their top order. Pakistan needs a swing of energy from their bowlers. With a packed crowd and a balanced start, the stage already feels tense. 

The final has begun with both teams fully aware that one session could define the series.