Skip to content

Pakistan’s key ODI series against South Africa begins tomorrow

Pakistan and South Africa are poised for a thrilling showdown as the much-anticipated three-match ODI series kicks off tomorrow at Boland Park, Paarl. The match begins at 5 PM Pakistan Standard Time, with subsequent fixtures slated for Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, on December 17, and The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, on December 19. The series comes at a crucial juncture for both teams as they refine their preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in Pakistan.

Ahead of the series, both captains unveiled the ODI trophy in a joint ceremony, posing with the coveted prize in a gesture symbolizing sportsmanship and competitive spirit.

Pakistan’s squad sees the return of key players, including pacer Naseem Shah, opening batter Abdullah Shafique, and top-order batter Kamran Ghulam. Additionally, wrist-spinner Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan have earned their maiden ODI call-ups, signaling Pakistan’s commitment to bolstering its talent pool. This marks Mohammad Rizwan’s third ODI series as captain, following back-to-back series wins against Australia and Zimbabwe.

Rizwan, optimistic about his team’s prospects, commented:

“This is a vital ODI series in terms of our preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy, and with Allah’s help, we aim to replicate our performances from the series against Australia. I see great potential in this squad, with a blend of young and experienced players eager to make their mark.”

South Africa enters the series on the back of a convincing 2-0 win in the preceding T20I series. However, the third T20I was washed out due to rain on December 14. Their ODI focus now shifts towards solidifying their strategies for the Champions Trophy, making this series a critical testing ground.

In their last bilateral ODI series in April 2021, Pakistan emerged victorious with a 2-1 series win in South Africa. This history adds another layer of intrigue to the current series, as the Proteas seek to turn the tables on home soil.

Acknowledging the team’s mixed performance in the T20Is, Rizwan highlighted individual brilliance, particularly Saim Ayub’s impressive batting displays. He expressed confidence in Pakistan’s pace, spin, and batting units, emphasizing their ability to challenge South Africa:

“Our players have shown resilience in these conditions, and I’m confident we can win this series. This is not just about this series but also about gearing up for the home tri-nation series and the mega event next year.”

Pakistan ODI squad: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & 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)

South Africa ODI squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Aiden Markram, Andile Phehlukwayo, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Marco Jansen, Ottneil Baartman, Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tony de Zorzi, and Tristan Stubbs

Also See: Pakistan vs South Africa (PAK vs SA) Series Home | PAK vs SA Schedule

Schedule of matches:

  • 17 Dec – 1st ODI vs South Africa at Boland Bank Park, Paarl (5pm PKT)
  • 19 Dec – 2nd ODI vs South Africa at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town (5pm PKT)
  • 22 Dec – 3rd ODI vs South Africa at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (5pm PKT)
  • 26 Dec – 1st Test vs South Africa at SuperSport Park, Centurion (1pm PKT)
  • 3 Jan – 2nd Test vs South Africa at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town (1pm PKT)
Tags: