The stage is set for an exciting ODI series as Pakistan takes on South Africa in a three-match contest starting tomorrow, December 17, in Paarl. With the second and third games scheduled in Cape Town (December 19) and Johannesburg (December 22), cricket fans are in for a treat.
This marks Mohammad Rizwan’s third ODI series as Pakistan’s white-ball captain, and so far, his leadership has been nothing short of spectacular. Rizwan has already guided Pakistan to a historic series win against Australia and followed it up with a victory against Zimbabwe. Will he keep the momentum going?
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Pakistan’s Confidence Booster
The last time Pakistan toured South Africa for an ODI series in 2021, they emerged victorious with a 2-1 win under Babar Azam’s captaincy. Although South Africa leads the head-to-head record with 52 wins in 83 matches.
Adding to their optimism is the sizzling form of young batter Saim Ayub. He was the standout performer in the T20I series, smashing a breathtaking 98* in the second game, though it came in a losing effort. If he carries this form into the ODIs, he could be a game-changer.
South Africa: Back to Full Strength
South Africa, however, won’t be an easy opponent. Their ODI squad is bolstered by the return of key players who were rested during the T20I series. With the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Heinrich Klaasen, and Temba Bavuma back in action, the Proteas look formidable.
Here’s a quick glance at their squad:
- Key players: Kagiso Rabada, Heinrich Klaasen, and Temba Bavuma.
- Wild cards: Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs, who bring an exciting mix of pace, power, and promise.
Pakistan’s Squad: Youth Meets Experience
Pakistan’s squad strikes a balance between young talent and seasoned campaigners. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf will lead the pace attack, while Rizwan and Babar Azam will anchor the batting lineup. Saim Ayub is the young star to watch, and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s form could also play a critical role.
Here’s Pakistan’s key players:
- Batting core: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Abdullah Shafique, and Babar Azam.
- Bowling attack: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah.
- Emerging talent: Saim Ayub and Tayyab Tahir, ready to make their mark.
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For Pakistan, this series is about maintaining their winning streak under Rizwan’s leadership and building momentum ahead of future international assignments. For South Africa, it’s a chance to reclaim dominance on home soil and regain confidence after a mixed showing in the T20I series.
South Africa ODI Squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Ottneil Baartman, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen
Pakistan ODI Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wk)
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