The 3rd ODI between South Africa and Pakistan might have been a dead rubber with Pakistan already clinching the series 2-0, but the customary Pink ODI at the Wanderers Stadium turned into a spectacle of emotions beyond cricket. The packed crowd in Johannesburg soaked in the vibrant summer vibes, with the venue’s DJ adding to the electrifying atmosphere. However, it wasn’t just about the cricketing action on the field; the day became unforgettable for two entirely different yet equally heart-warming reasons.
The Wanderers Stadium witnessed the birth of a baby and a romantic proposal, making it a day to remember. The scoreboard lit up with the announcement of the birth of a baby boy, reading, “Congratulations Mr and Mrs Rabeng on the birth of your healthy son at Bullring.” The baby was delivered at the stadium’s medical facility, with the medics assisting the Rabeng family in welcoming their child.
An eventful day at The Wanderers
Adding to the joy, one of the spectators proposed to his girlfriend during the match. In a heart-warming moment, the man went down on one knee and presented a ring to his partner, who accepted amid loud cheers from the crowd. Stadium proposals, often regarded as deeply romantic, took centre stage as the couple celebrated their new chapter with applause from the thrilled spectators.
The Wanderers became the backdrop for two remarkable milestones—a newborn’s first moments and the beginning of a couple’s lifelong journey—which added a unique charm to an already eventful day.
Pakistan put a strong total
Pakistan put up a strong total of 308 after being asked to bat first. The innings began on a shaky note as Abdullah Shafique registered his third duck in as many matches. With conditions favouring the pacers and a 75-minute rain delay adding to the challenge, Pakistan needed resilience to weather the storm.
Saim Ayub and skipper Babar Azam rose to the occasion, steadying the innings with a crucial century partnership. Babar showcased his class with a well-made fifty before being dismissed, while Ayub continued to anchor the innings. Despite being restricted during the middle overs—going 13 overs without a boundary—the stylish left-hander accelerated when it mattered, reaching his second century of the series off just 91 balls.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan provided a brisk half-century, keeping the momentum alive in the latter stages. Salman Agha chipped in with a quick cameo, but Pakistan lost a flurry of wickets towards the end of their innings.
