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Third ODI in between South Africa and Pakistan there was more to the Wanderers Stadium than just a cricket match; it became a day filled with joy and unforgettable milestones. Despite Pakistan having already secured the series with a 2-0 lead, the usual Pink ODI turned into a lively celebration of life and love.
A day of celebrations other than cricket at Wanderers
Held annually to raise awareness of breast cancer, the Pink ODI is a special event in South African cricket. The players wore their legendary pink jerseys, symbolizing hope and solidarity in the fight against breast cancer. This year the atmosphere was high, with a packed crowd enjoying the summer vibes, amped up by stadium DJs spinning tunes that kept the spirits up throughout the day.
As the match progressed, the crowd was treated to two heartwarming events that transcended the boundaries of sport. First, the announcement flashed on the traffic light: “Congratulations Mr and Mrs Rabeng on the birth of your healthy son at the Bullring.” The couple welcomed their newborn at the stadium’s medical facility, making it a day to remember as they celebrated their child’s first moments surrounded by cricket fans.
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Love blooms amidst the cricketing action
Adding to the emotional depth of the day, a romantic proposal unfolded in front of thousands. During a break in the game, a spectator took center stage by getting down on one knee with a ring in hand and asking his girlfriend to marry him. Cheers erupted from the crowd as she accepted his proposal, marking the beginning of their life’s journey together. Such moments remind us that cricket is not all about runs and wickets; it’s also about bringing people together to celebrate significant life milestones.
‼️History was made when a woman gave birth at the Wanderers Cricket Stadium while another couple got engaged during the Pink Day ODI‼️👩🏽🍼💍
The Rabengs were helped by medics and gave birth to a boy at 17:20 at JHB
The Proteas need 309 runs to win and avoid losing the series pic.twitter.com/VhAlVPhLtd
— Xoli Zondo (MBA) (@XoliswaZondo) December 22, 2024
A dominant performance by Pakistan in the ODI final
In terms of cricket, Pakistan have performed commendably after being asked to bat first. Despite the difficult start with Abdullah Shafik fall on a golden duck, Saim Ayub and Babar Azam he anchored the innings with a crucial partnership. Babar showed his mettle with a solid fifty before being dismissed, while Ayub continued to anchor the innings, reaching his second century of the series after just 91 balls. His extras included 13 fours and two sixes, illustrating his aggressive yet calculated approach.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan he also contributed significantly with a lively half-century, helping Pakistan to a staggering total of 308 runs. Although they lost a few wickets towards the end, their strong batting performance opened up an exciting chase for South Africa.
While South Africa took to the field aiming for redemption in this final ODI, they faced an uphill battle against a well-rounded Pakistan side that failed to reach the target by 36 runs. A match that might have been labeled a “dead rubber”, it ended up being a celebration of life – both in terms of new beginnings for families and love stories unfolding amidst the heat of cricket.
