PAK vs SA: Temba Bavuma to miss first ODI against Pakistan, Markram to captain South Africa

South Africa's captain, Temba Bavuma, will miss the first ODI against Pakistan on Tuesday in Paarl as part of a strategy to manage his workload ahead of important upcoming series. Aiden Markram will step in as the stand-in captain for the opening match, with Bavuma expected to return for the rest of the series.

This decision is part of South Africa's plan to balance player workloads while preparing for key tournaments, including the 2025 Champions Trophy and their crucial Test series. The Test series is especially important for South Africa as they aim for a spot in the World Test Championship final.

Several players in the ODI squad, including Bavuma, Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada, recently played in South Africa's 2-0 Test series win over Sri Lanka.

South Africa is being cautious with their fast bowlers due to injury concerns. Key bowlers like Wiaan Mulder, who is recovering from a broken finger, and Lungi Ngidi, sidelined until January with a hip injury, are unavailable. Gerald Coetzee is also out with a groin issue, and Anrich Nortje has withdrawn from red-ball cricket to focus on his recurring injuries.

Bavuma spoke about the team's strategy in light of these injuries: "Not everyone that we'd normally call upon is around because of injuries," he said. "We've got bowlers within the squad, so we'd like to give guys opportunities, rest certain players, and try to balance it out as best as we can."

The Proteas will be looking to manage their squad carefully as they face Pakistan in the ODI series.