While the third ODI between South Africa and Pakistan may have been a dead rubber, with Pakistan already having secured the series 2-0, it became an unforgettable day at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. The annual Pink ODI, known for its vibrant atmosphere, turned into an emotional spectacle that transcended the usual cricketing drama.
The venue, alive with the energy of a packed crowd, was filled with the sounds of summer, enhanced by the stadium’s DJ. But it wasn’t just the cricket that made this match special. The day will be remembered for two heartwarming, non-cricketing moments that took place during the game.
In a surprising turn of events, the scoreboard displayed a touching announcement: “Congratulations Mr and Mrs Rabeng on the birth of your healthy son at Bullring.” The baby boy had been delivered at the stadium’s medical facility, with the Rabeng family receiving support from the medical team as they welcomed their newborn.
As if that wasn’t enough, another emotional moment unfolded when a fan seized the opportunity to propose to his girlfriend. During the match, he dropped to one knee and presented a ring to his partner, who accepted to cheers from the delighted crowd. Stadium proposals, often seen as romantic milestones, added to the celebration, marking a special moment for the couple as the crowd applauded their new beginning.
The Wanderers, known for its electric atmosphere, became the setting for two major life events—welcoming a new baby and the start of a couple’s journey together. These moments brought a unique charm to the day, making it truly unforgettable.
Pakistan Sets a Strong Total
On the field, Pakistan posted a solid total of 308 after being asked to bat first. The innings got off to a rocky start when opener Abdullah Shafique was dismissed for a duck, his third in as many matches. The conditions were favorable for fast bowlers, and a 75-minute rain delay further added to the challenges. Despite the early setbacks, Pakistan showed resilience.
Saim Ayub and captain Babar Azam steadied the innings with a vital partnership. Babar, in particular, displayed his class with a well-crafted 50 before falling. Ayub, though, continued to anchor the innings, even during a dry spell in the middle overs where Pakistan went 13 overs without a boundary. However, the left-hander picked up the pace when needed, bringing up his second century of the series off just 91 balls.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan contributed a quick-fire half-century to keep the momentum going, while Salman Agha added a brief cameo. However, Pakistan’s innings ended on a sour note, losing several wickets in the closing stages, but their total of 308 proved competitive.
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