South Africa and Pakistan will kick off their three-match ODI series on Tuesday, with both teams looking ahead to begin the series on a high note. The first ODI will be played on Tuesday at Boland Park, Paarl.
Before this upcoming series, the two teams faced off in a preceding three-match T20I series, which South Africa triumphed 2-0 after the third match was abandoned due to unfavorable weather conditions. While South Africa managed to seal a comfortable win in the first two matches, the rain hampered the proceedings in the third game.
Despite this, South Africa's 2-0 lead was enough to ensure they walked away with the series win. The outcome in the T20I series showed South Africa’s dominance, but Pakistan will be determined to put that defeat behind them and focus on the upcoming ODI series.
South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, have lately shown significant strength in ODIs, particularly with their deep batting lineup and solid bowling attack. Players like David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen and Rassie van der Dussen, who have been in good form, will be crucial in providing stability and firepower. Their bowling attack will be led by Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj and Ottneil Baartman.
Pakistan, on the other hand, will look to bounce back after a disappointing series loss. Despite their struggles in the recent encounters against South Africa, Pakistan would expect their key players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Saim Ayub to help the side with their batting. On the bowling front, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf will be crucial in providing the breakthroughs.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Matches: 83
No Result: 1
South Africa WON: 52
Pakistan WON: 30
SA PROBABLE XI: Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Ottneil Baartman
PAK PROBABLE XI: Mohammad Rizwan (c &wk), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Abdullah Shafique, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed