South Africa vs Pakistan Match Prediction - Who will win today’s 1st ODI match between SA vs PAK?

Rainbow nation South Africa (SA) will continue to host Pakistan (PAK) in the ongoing tour, as the focus shifts to the ODI format. The two teams will clash in a three-match ODI series, starting on Tuesday, December 17. Notably the first ODI will be played at Boland Park, in Paarl.

Speaking of the hosts first, South Africa recently clinched the T20I series quite convincingly with a 2-0 margin. The third and final T20I was abandoned due to consistent rains. After dominating in the first T20I, the second game was seemingly given that the visitors managed to go all guns blazing against Proteas. However, the ODIs will be a different ball game as the hosts have picked a strong playing XI.

Captain Temba Bavuma marked his comeback and will lead the side in the upcoming series. Besides him, all rounder Keshav Maharaj and pacer Kagiso Rabada will also feature in the 50-over format. Apart from them, an ODI debut can be on the cards for the young Kwena Maphaka as well. Among batters, Aiden Markram will also be part of the playing XI, who is looking to extend his good run with bat. In totality, South Africa would like to fine-tune their team combinations and on-the-field strategies, keeping in mind the upcoming Champions Trophy (CT 2025) to be played next year, which is a mega ICC event.

On the other hand, after having a good show in the second T20I, Pakistan lost the plot in the middle overs and eventually not only lost the game but also the series. Amid selection and coaching-related controversies back home, Pakistan will hope to put up a good show in the ODI series opener and make a comeback on the tour. Given that they will be playing the host of the CT 2025, the Green Shirts will want to explore their combinations and have a settled team before the mega cricket carnival gets underway.

As far as their team is concerned, Saim Ayub would like to take confidence from his second T20I performance and extend the form going into the 50-over version of the white-ball series. Apart from him, a huge onus will remain on the experienced former Captain Babar Azam along with the current Skipper, Mohammed Rizwan. While in the bowling department, spinner Abrar Ahmed will hope to continue his T20I bowling rhythm against the hosts. While the pace battery will need to get the act together.

Also Check: South Africa vs Pakistan, 1st ODI - Live Score

SA vs PAK Match Details

Pitch Report

The surface of Boland Park has been quite batting-friendly in nature. Going by the facts, in the last three years, out of the 10 games played, teams have preferred to bat first in a bid to put up a big score to put the opposition under the run chase pressure. The average score at this venue is close to 240 runs. Interestingly, in one instance, South Africa went on a run rampage as they scored a mammoth 353 against the Asian side, Bangladesh.

On the flip side, Proteas suffered a massive 78-run defeat against India in 2003. Hence anything close to 300 runs or in excess can prove to be a good total in Paarl. Therefore, the Skipper winning the toss will be tempted to bat first and hit the ground running in the upcoming ODI match. On the weather front, there is no real threat of rain as it happened in the third T20I match recently. The clouds are expected to remain at bay and the game should go ahead without any rain interruptions on Tuesday.

Click Here: South Africa vs Pakistan 2024 Schedule

Head-To-Head Records

Probable Predicted XIs for SA vs PAK

South Africa (SA):

Temba Bavuma (C), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen (Wk), Andile Phehlukwayo, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Ottneil Baartman, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka.

Pakistan (PAK):

Mohammad Rizwan (C/Wk), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Abdullah Shafique, Salman Agha, Sufiyan Mukeem, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed.

Click Here: South Africa vs Pakistan 2024 Squads

Probable Top Performers from SA vs PAK

Probable Best Batter: Temba Bavuma

South Africa Captain Temba Bavuma made a remarkable comeback during the recently concluded Test series against Sri Lanka, where he hit a couple of half-centuries and a scintillating century. Hence given the fact that in the past few knocks, Bavuma failed to convert the fifties into a big knock, he will be itching to translate the red-ball form into the white-ball form. Especially in the upcoming ODI series as the next Test will be a ‘boxing day’ special and as South Africa are on the verge of storming into the World Test Championship (WTC), Captain Bavuma will look to get a vital warm-up and confidence through the white-ball challenges against a spirited Pakistan bowling line up. Hence, he could prove to be the best batter in the upcoming first ODI.

Click Here: Most Runs in SA vs PAK 2024

Probable Best Bowler: Abrar Ahmed

Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed remained a mystery in the T20I opener. Hence the willy bowler has the ability to dish out his unpredictable art of spin after picking a four-wicket haul during the recently concluded series in the shortest format against the Rainbow nation. Besides, Boland Park assists the batters on most occasions, lack of pace can make it tough for them to clear the ground with sheer ease. Therefore, Abrar can get difficult for the batters to read on his day and prove to be a match-winner if the visitors have any chance to kickstart the ODI series on a high note.

Click Here: Most Wickets in SA vs PAK 2024

Today's Match Prediction: South Africa to win the match

Scenario 1

South Africa win the toss and opt to bat first

PP Score: 55-60

SA: 290-315

South Africa to win the match

Scenario 2

Pakistan win the toss and opt to bat first

PP Score: 45-50

PAK: 260-270

South Africa to win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the author's understanding, analysis, and instinct. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.