South Africa vs Pakistan, 4th ODI, Preview: Proteas in Pink aim to seal the series at the Wanderers

While many haven’t given Pakistan a chance, the team has played some highly competitive cricket in the ODI series. Yet, they trail in the series by 1-2 and have got a massive point to prove. It is a must-win game for them to keep their chances alive. The Pakistan team would feel rather unfortunate with the rain playing a part in the 3rd ODI.

However, there is no room for complaints when one is playing cricket at the highest level. South Africa, though, is expected to be relentless in their pursuit to win the series. Ideally, the team wouldn’t want to leave till the last match of the series and will set their eyes on finishing off things right in the fourth ODI.

This will be a traditional Pink ODI in South Africa and the Wanderers will turn entirely Pink on the day. It is always a special day in the African season and the home team is yet to lose a Pink ODI who manage to bring out the best in them in a different jersey.

Team Combinations

South Africa

South Africa is pretty much sorted with its batting line-up. The only ambiguity was with the position of Reeza Hendricks who is competing for spots with Aiden Markram. But, with the match-winning show in the last game, the former has sealed his spot, at least for now. One change that the Proteas would like to make is in their bowling department. Imran Tahir could possibly be replacing Tabraiz Shamsi in the upcoming game.

Predicted XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis (c), David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Beuran Hendricks, Imran Tahir.

Pakistan

Pakistan doesn’t have any problems with their batting either. Fakhar Zaman’s form is their only concern at the moment. The management will want him to spend as much time in the middle so that he finds his touch back. There doesn’t seem to be room for any other changes in the eleven. Mohammad Amir wasn’t in the greatest of forms as his wicketless rut in the ODIs continue. But he is likely to get another chance to stake his claim.

Predicted XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfaraz Ahmed (c & wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi.

Focus will be on

Quinton de Kock (South Africa)

In his come back game, Quinton de Kock looked impressive during his brief stay in the middle. However, he was dismissed run out and thus the good start got wasted. But, the wicket-keeper batsman will be eager to make a bigger impact in the upcoming game. He had a good run in the Test series as well and will be critical in the upcoming match. The left-hander usually enjoys batting at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)

The Pakistani opener Fakhar Zaman will also be under the radar. In the three ODIs that he played this year, Fakhar only managed to score 53 runs at an average of 18 and strike rate of 69. The left-hander needs to start delivering from now on, otherwise, he’ll end up putting added pressure on his teammates and the management.

Head to Head

Matches – 76 | South Africa won – 50 | Pakistan won – 25 | NR – 1

Stat Attack

6 – The number of wickets that Dale Steyn needs to pick to get to 200 ODI wickets.

6 – South Africa have won all Pink ODIs so far.

Broadcast Details

TV – Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD

Live Streaming – Sony LIV

Match Timings – 13:30 IST; 10:00 local

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