Faisalabad: South Africa’s preparations for the crucial three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan have suffered a significant setback with the ruling out of promising middle-order batter Dewald Brevis due to a shoulder injury.
The 22-year-old sustained a low-grade shoulder muscle strain during the third T20 International at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday. Subsequent scans confirmed the injury, making him unavailable for the 50-over leg of the tour, which commences today in Faisalabad.
In an official statement, Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed the injury and outlined the path for the young player’s recovery.
“Momentum Multiply Titans batter Dewald Brevis has been ruled out of the three-match One-Day International series against Pakistan due to a low-grade shoulder muscle strain,” the board stated.
Brevis, nicknamed ‘Baby AB’ for his powerful and versatile stroke play reminiscent of AB de Villiers, will remain with the Proteas squad in Pakistan. He is scheduled to undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the team’s medical staff, with the primary goal of preparing him for the upcoming Test tour of India.
The board added that Brevis’ replacement for the ODI series will be announced shortly.
The three-match ODI series holds special significance as it marks the historic return of men’s international cricket to Faisalabad after a 17-year hiatus. The last ODI played at the Iqbal Cricket Stadium was on April 11, 2008, when Pakistan defeated Bangladesh.
This ODI series follows a competitive tour so far, where the Test series was drawn 1-1, and Pakistan claimed the T20I series 2-1. Historically, in 87 ODI encounters, South Africa leads the head-to-head record against Pakistan, 52 wins to 34.
