Between the third ODI South Africa and Pakistan It wasn’t just a cricket match at the Wanderers Stadium; turned into a day full of joy and memorable milestones. Despite Pakistan already securing the series 2-0 lead, the traditional Pink ODI turned into a lively celebration of life and love.
A day of celebration outside of 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 pink jerseys to symbolize hope and solidarity in the fight against breast cancer. This year the atmosphere was electric, with a packed crowd enjoying the summer vibe and fueled by the stadium’s DJ spinning tracks that kept the mood high throughout the day.
As the match progressed, the crowd was treated to two heartwarming events that crossed the boundaries of the sport. First, an announcement lit up the board: “Congratulations to 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 and made it an unforgettable day for them as they celebrated their child’s first moments surrounded by cricket fans.
Also READ: South Africa’s Heinrich Klassen has been fined for kicking the stumps during the 2nd ODI against Pakistan.
Love blossoms amidst cricket action
Adding to the emotional depth of the day, a romantic proposal unfolded in front of thousands of people. During a break in the play, an audience member took center stage, kneeling down 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 lifelong journey together. Such moments remind us that cricket is not just about runs and wickets; it’s also about bringing people together to celebrate life’s 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 Doctors and delivered a baby boy at 5:20 PM at JHB.
The Proteas need 309 runs to win and avoid a series whitewash pic.twitter.com/VhAlVPhLtd
— Xoli Zondo (MBA) (@XoliswaZondo) December 22, 2024
Outstanding performance by Pakistan in the final ODI
On the cricketing front, Pakistan put up a commendable display after being asked to bat first. Although the beginning is difficult Abdullah Shafiq fall into the golden duck Saim Ayub and Babar Azam stable innings with an important 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 off just 91 balls. His innings consisted of 13 fours and two sixes, showcasing his aggressive yet calculated approach.
captain Mohammad Rizvan also contributed significantly with a quick half-century, helping Pakistan post a mammoth 308-run innings. Although they lost a few wickets towards the end, their strong batting performances set up an exciting chase for South Africa.
When South Africa took the field in search of salvation in this final ODI, they faced an uphill battle against Pakistan’s all-rounder, who fell short of the target by 36 runs. The match, which could have been labeled a “dead rubber”, turned out to be a celebration of life – both in terms of new beginnings for families and love stories unfolding amid cricketing fervor.
