Why did South Africa's fielding coach take field in tri-series ODI match against New Zealand?- WATCH

A bizarre incident occurred in the Pakistan ODI tri-series match between New Zealand and South Africa and drew the cricketing fraternity's attention. South Africa's fielding coach, Wandile Gwavu, had to step in as a substitute fielder in the 37th over of the second innings.

The South African side headed into this series with a significantly weak squad, naming just 12 players for the first time, including six uncapped players. Many Proteas top-tier players are unavailable due to commitments in the SA20-2025 league, which just concluded on February 9. With many names occupying the SA20 2025 league, they were already fielding largely inexperienced players.

The fielding coach had to step in because enough substitutes were unavailable. However, Heinrich Klaasen and Keshav Maharaj are set to join the team ahead of their next game against Pakistan on February 12, as their SA20 side failed to qualify for the playoffs.

How did fans react to the fielding coach playing the game?

Meanwhile, cricket fans quickly noticed the presence of Gwavu on the field. Their tri-series game against New Zealand in Pakistan and social media erupted with a plethora of reactions to this bizarre incident. The cricket fraternity further went to X to express their amazement at this rare occurrence.

Watch the full video here:

FIELDING COACH ON THE FIELD FOR SOUTH AFRICA...!!! 😯 pic.twitter.com/ov1U4Wfikk

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 10, 2025

Wandile Gwavu was fielding during the 37th over of New Zealand's innings and even saved some runs off former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson's bat. However, New Zealand won the game by six wickets, successfully chasing down a total of 304 runs. The attention surrounding Wandile was more about an unusual event that led to a coach having to step in as a substitute for the South African side.

New Zealand won the game by six wickets. Despite star batter Matthew Breetzke's debut century of 150 runs, South Africa sustained defeat against New Zealand, chasing a 304-run target with balls to spare in the game. New Zealand's top-order Kane Williamson (133) and Devon Conway (97) helped them thwart the Proteas.