Persistent Rain Forces Abandonment of 3rd T20I Between Pakistan and South Africa

The third T20I match between Pakistan and South Africa in Johannesburg was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain, securing South Africa's victory in the three-match series 2-0.

The series twist came on a waterlogged Wanderers pitch in Johannesburg, where lightning strikes and steady drizzle led to significant delays and ultimately the match's abandonment. The washout decision gave South Africa the win, which was their second successive victory in the series after winning the first game by 11 runs and the second by seven wickets. The South African batsmen, led by Reeza Hendricks' century in the second T20I, and Rassie van der Dussen's 66, have been in scintillating form. However, the Pakistani bowlers struggled to contain their South African counterparts, allowing them to pile up big scores in both the second and third games. The decision also preserves Pakistan's bid to win, leaving the pressure on them to win the upcoming ODI series to grasp some consolation.

Despite the loss, the tilt of the west will look forward to the upcoming ODI series which Pakistan will aim to overturn their T20I results and claim the momentum. However, facing the red ball might require a slight shift in the strategy that South African team will work on}

The abandoned match means South Africa wins the series and will look to maintain the momentum moving into the ODI series, which starts from December 17, followed by two Test matches. Pakistan will also look to put up a fight and claw back some lost ground, but the key for them will be how they respond to the challenges laid down on the pitch.