SA vs PAK: Ace red-ball spinner Keshav Maharaj suffered a groin strain during the practice sessions of the South African side, as he bowled in the nets before the first ODI against Pakistan.
Maharaj, who often plays for the Proteas in the longer white-ball format as well, missed the first ODI game of the home series against Pakistan. He was placed in the 11 initially, and only during the toss did Aiden Markram announce that Phehlukwayo will replace Maharaj in the playing team, as the latter will be scanned on Wednesday.
After the ODI series against South Africa concludes, they will play their final two-match test series against Pakistan, and only one win will secure their chances for the WTC final under all circumstances, as they would be either ensured the top or second spot on the WTC points table.
Keshav Maharaj has been a very vital player for South Africa in the longest format of the game, while he was also named the player of the match in the second match of the Sri Lanka series after they had a clean sweep over their opponents.
Already the likes of Gerald Coetzee and Anrich Nortje, the two ace pacers from South Africa, have been ruled out owing to their injuries; Keshav Maharaj might be a new addition to the list if his injury gets ascertained.
South African spinners Senuran Muthusamy and Dane Piedt, who recently made their contributions for South Africa, are lined up for the Boxing Day test if Maharaj misses out on the match against Pakistan. Tabraiz Shamsi, who is a constant for the Proteas in the white-ball formats, might make a test return ever since he made his last appearance in 2021.
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