South Africa vs Pakistan | Cricket Match Prediction | 2nd ODI | Dec 19 – Can PAK win the series with one match in hand?

RSA vs PAK Match Analysis

On December 19, 2024, at Newlands, Cape Town Pakistan, and South Africa will play the 2nd ODI of a three-match ODI series at 06:00 p.m. BST. 

South Africa experienced a narrow defeat to Pakistan in the opening match. Skipper Aiden Markram will be hoping for a stronger batting performance from the team moving forward.

In contrast, Pakistan secured a three-wicket victory over South Africa, thanks to outstanding performances from Saim Ayub and Salman Agha. 

RSA vs PAK Team Preview & Squads

South Africa 

South Africa will look to key players like Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Heinrich Klaasen, and captain Aiden Markram to lead the batting charge.

In the series opener, wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen played a crucial role, top-scoring with 86 runs off 97 balls, including seven fours and two sixes. Alongside him, Ryan Rickelton (36), Aiden Markram (35), and Tony de Zorzi (33) contributed valuable runs.

For bowling, RSA will depend on Ottneil Baartman, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Andile Phehlukwayo to provide vital breakthroughs.

In the previous match, Kagiso Rabada and Ottneil Baartman were effective, each taking two wickets.

South Africa Squads

South Africa Squads

Andile Phehlukwayo, Heinrich Klaasen, Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma, Ottneil Baartman, Tristan Stubbs, Kwena Maphaka, and Tabraiz Shamsi.

Pakistan

Pakistan will depend on in-form opener Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, skipper Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, and Salman Agha to lead the scoring in the batting department.

In the first ODI, Saim Ayub was the standout performer, top-scoring with 109 runs off 119 balls, including ten fours and three sixes. He was well supported by Salman Agha, who remained unbeaten on 82 runs off 90 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes.

For the bowling department, PAK will rely on Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf to make early breakthroughs with the new ball during the Powerplay overs. Additionally, Salman Agha, Abrar Ahmed, and Saim Ayub provide spin options for the team.

In the opening match, part-time spinner Salman Agha was the best bowler for Pakistan, taking 4 for 32 in eight overs. Alongside him, leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed continued his fine form, claiming 2 for 32 in his full spell.

Pakistan Squads

Pakistan Squads

Saim Ayub, Haris Rauf, Abdullah Shafique, Naseem Shah, Agha Salman, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Hasnain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Babar Azam, Irfan Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, and Sufiyan Muqeem.

South Africa vs Pakistan outfield report

Newlands, Cape Town

For teams batting second, Newlands Cricket Ground has proven to be an excellent venue. The team batting second has won four of the previous six day-night games played at Newlands.

The game is expected to take place in bright conditions with minimal winds.

At Newlands, one-day internationals often score 233 runs in the first inning.

South Africa vs Pakistan Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

RSA won two of their five games, while PAK won three.

South Africa vs Pakistan Prediction

Cricket analysts predict South Africa has a 63% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.