South Africa vs Pakistan Match Preview, 1st ODI

South Africa (SA) lock horns with Pakistan (PAK) in the first ODI in the three-match series, at Boland Park, in Paarl, on Tuesday, December 17. After winning the T20I series convincingly, the hosts will look to continue their dominance in the 50-over format.

Proteas have assembled a strong squad as they look to prepare for the Champions Trophy, which is on the horizon. A relatively inexperienced South African side faced Afghanistan in September and lost by a 1-2 margin in a three-match ODI series in Sharjah. They fared better in a subsequent three-match ODI series against Ireland in Abu Dhabi, winning by a 2-1 margin.

Notably, some experienced players like Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, Keshav Maharaj, and Tabraiz Shamsi have returned to the ODI setup and are in line to play the format for the first time this year. Meanwhile, interim white-ball coach of Pakistan, Aqib Javed, had stated before the tour that the focus in the ODI leg will be on building momentum ahead of the Champions Trophy. The Men in Green won an ODI series against a second-string Australia in November.

This was their first ODI series win on Australian soil since 2002. An inexperienced Pakistan side embarked on a trip to Zimbabwe and lost the first ODI in a three-match series against the host nation. However, Mohammad Rizwan and Co. won the last two matches to win the series.

Also Read: South Africa vs Pakistan 2024 News

Match Details

Click Here: South Africa vs Pakistan, 1st ODI - Live Cricket Score

Pitch Report

The average first innings score in 16 ODIs at Boland Park is 266. Nine games have been won by teams batting first while chasing teams have emerged victorious on nine instances. Quite evident keeping these numbers in the fray that the pitch of the venue is quite batting friendly. Hence, the Captain who wins the toss might want to bat first and put up a solid total on the board to defend in the upcoming first ODI game.

Click Here: South Africa vs Pakistan 2024 Schedule

Head-to-Head Record

Probable Playing XI:

South Africa:

South Africa have a strong squad at their disposal. While the top and middle-order look relatively settled, it will be interesting to see what bowling combination they opt for. The talented Kwena Maphaka could be in line for an ODI debut.

Predicted XI: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka.

Pakistan:

Left-arm wrist spinner Sufyan Muqeem has been picked in the ODI squad for the first time. However, he might have to wait for his chance as Abrar Ahmed could start as the lone frontline spinner. Meanwhile, the experienced troika of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah will reunite after a long time. The swashbuckling Saim Ayub will want to carry his form from the T20Is into the 50-over format.

Predicted XI: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan (wk/c), Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Usman Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufyan Muqeem, Naseem Shah.