South Africa will take on Pakistan in the 1st ODI of the series. This match holds significance for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. With South Africa aiming to finalize their squad amid injuries and Pakistan bringing a full-strength side, a high-octane contest is expected. Pakistan enter this series on the back of an impressive ODI bilateral win against Australia in Australia.
SA vs PAK 1st ODI Match Details
- Match: 1st ODI, Pakistan vs South Africa
- Date and Time: 17/12/2024, 2:00 PM Local Time (5:30 PM IST)
- Venue: Boland Park, Paarl
SA vs PAK 1st ODI: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Pitch Analysis: The pitch at Boland Park is expected to be slow, offering considerable assistance to spinners. Batters will need to adapt and build partnerships, especially in the middle overs where the surface could become tricky. The average first innings score at this venue is around 250-260, making it a competitive ground for ODIs.
- Average 1st Innings Score: 250-260
- Best Bowling Style: Spin and cutters in the middle overs
Weather Forecast: Clear skies are forecast for Paarl, with no rain interruptions expected. The temperature will hover around 26°C, creating ideal conditions for cricket. Dry conditions may increase spin assistance later in the game.
South Africa Team Preview and Probable XI
South Africa, despite injury woes, remain competitive at home. They have a balanced squad with a strong batting lineup and potent bowling attack. Captain Aiden Markram will look to lead from the front, supported by experienced campaigners like Kagiso Rabada and David Miller. Regular skipper Temba Bavuma will miss this opening ODI due to workload management.
Probable Playing XI:
Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman
Key Players to Watch:
- Rassie van der Dussen: A consistent performer in ODIs, known for his ability to anchor innings.
- Keshav Maharaj: The frontline spinner who will exploit the slow track to trouble Pakistan’s middle order.
- Kagiso Rabada: The pace spearhead, capable of picking wickets with the new ball and in the death overs.
Pakistan Team Preview and Probable XI
Pakistan arrive with a full-strength squad, boosted by the return of key players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah. Despite recent off-field turbulence with Jason Gillespie, Pakistan’s lineup is packed with in-form batters and a lethal pace attack.
Probable Playing XI:
Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Agha, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Abrar Ahmed
Key Players to Watch:
- Babar Azam: Pakistan’s batting linchpin with a proven record in ODIs. His ability to score big will be crucial.
- Shaheen Afridi: A game-changer with the new ball and in death overs. His variations will test South Africa’s batters.
- Mohammad Rizwan: The dependable wicketkeeper-captain who adds stability to the middle order.
Dream11 Fantasy Prediction for SA vs PAK 1st ODI
A well-rounded Dream11 team with a combination of top batters, all-rounders, and wicket-taking bowlers will help you maximise points.
SA vs PAK 1st ODI: Suggested Dream11 Team:
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Key Matchups and Tactical Insights
- Pakistan’s Pace Attack vs South Africa’s Top Order: Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf will aim to exploit the slow pitch with early wickets, testing the likes of Tony de Zorzi and Rassie van der Dussen.
- Keshav Maharaj vs Pakistan’s Middle Order: On a slow surface, Maharaj’s ability to control runs and pick wickets in the middle overs will be pivotal for South Africa.
- Babar Azam and Rizwan vs Rabada and Baartman: A battle to watch as South Africa’s pace duo challenges Pakistan’s premier batters.
SA vs PAK Head to Head in ODI
Stats | Pakistan | South Africa |
Matches Played | 83 | 83 |
Matches Won | 30 | 52 |
Draw | 0 | 0 |
No Result | 1 | 1 |
Win % | 36.14% | 62.65% |
Editor's Pick
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