Johannesburg: South Africa will be without three of its most experienced players for the final one-day international against Pakistan on Saturday after Dale Steyn and Jacques Kallis picked up injuries and Graeme Smith was given compassionate leave.
With Pakistan seeking an historic 3-0 whitewash over the host, fast bowler Steyn has a left side strain and veteran allrounder Kallis has a finger injury.
They were ruled out of the ODI at Centurion's SuperSport Park to ensure they are fit for the limited-overs and test series against India starting next week, Cricket South Africa said.
Opening batsman Smith was allowed to leave the squad and be with family after his grandmother died this week. The Proteas called up batsman Henry Davids to replace Smith on Friday but didn't bring in any players for Steyn and Kallis.
Pakistan won a first one-day series over South Africa anywhere with a one-run win in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday for a 2-0 series lead and has the chance in the last game to become the first team to whitewash the Proteas at home.
Steyn's absence will be a major blow to South Africa's attack. He took nine wickets in the two ODIs against Pakistan including a career-best 6-39 in Port Elizabeth
