Cricket Match Prediction | Pakistan vs South Africa | 3rd ODI | Feb 12 – Let’s see who will get into the final.

PAK vs RSA Match Analysis

Pakistan vs South Africa will play each other in the 3rd match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series, on February 12, 2025, at 03:00 PM BST at National Stadium, Karachi. Pakistan will draw confidence from their recent success against South Africa, having secured victory in four of their last five encounters.

South Africa has historically struggled on slow, turning pitches and will aim to overcome this challenge. With much at stake for both teams, a tightly contested match is expected.

PAK vs RSA Team Preview & Squads

Pakistan

Pakistan has several issues to address in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy. Their opening match against New Zealand was disappointing, ending in a 78-run defeat. The bowlers struggled in the death overs, while the batting lineup failed to capitalize on favorable conditions. With a must-win situation to secure a spot in the final, Rizwan will be expecting a strong response from his players.

Fakhar Zaman made a promising return to the national side with a solid knock, but he will need support from an out-of-form Babar Azam at the other end. The middle order underperformed against New Zealand, and the team will be counting on runs from Kamran Ghulam, Rizwan, and Salman Agha. The lower middle order has capable power hitters, with Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, and Shaheen Afridi expected to contribute effectively.

PAK’s bowling attack fell short in the previous game. Shaheen Afridi struggled with his line and will need to improve while aiming for early breakthroughs alongside Naseem Shah. Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed showed promise in the middle overs and must continue their good form. The team will also look to Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha for valuable support with the ball.

Pakistan Squads

Pakistan

Faheem Ashraf, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Hasnain, Usman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Khushdil Shah.

South Africa

South Africa will be disappointed by the six-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the previous game. Despite a strong start with the bat, they fell at least 30 runs short of their intended target. The bowling attack also failed to take advantage of the conditions. As they face the hosts in a crucial knockout match, Bavuma will demand an improved performance from his players.

Matthew Breetzke was outstanding in the last game, scoring a brilliant century, and will aim to replicate that form alongside Temba Bavuma at the top. Kyle Verreynne will be key in the middle order, looking to build partnerships with Wiaan Mulder and Heinrich Klaasen. The lower middle order will need contributions from Senuran Muthusamy and Eathan Bosch to strengthen the total.

RSA’s bowlers will be eager to bounce back after their underwhelming display. Lungi Ngidi and Eathan Bosch must provide early breakthroughs, while Wiaan Mulder, who impressed in the previous game, will be expected to maintain pressure in the middle overs alongside Junior Dala and Senuran Muthusamy. Mihlali Mpongwana and Tabraiz Shamsi add depth to the attack with their variety and skill.

South Africa Squads

South Africa

Junior Dala, Heinrich Klaasen, Gideon Peters, Jason Smith, Wiaan Mulder, Matthew Breetzke, Kyle Verreynne, Senuran Muthusamy, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Mihlali Mpongwana, Eathan Bosch, Temba Bavuma.

Pakistan vs South Africa outfield report

National Stadium, Karachi

Once the dew settles in the evening, defending scores becomes extremely difficult in Karachi. It’s hard to hold the ball in the second half, as previous games have demonstrated. In this game, the team who wins the toss will try to bowl first in order to be safe.

We anticipate a fantastic batting display and clear skies over Karachi. The ball hits the bat forcefully on this course, allowing batsmen to freely use their strokes. In this game, the bowlers will have limited options. Over the past five years, the average first innings score has been 290 runs. More than 320 runs must be scored by the team batting first.

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

In their last five encounters, PAK has won 4 and RSA has won 1.

Pakistan vs South Africa Prediction 

Cricket analysts predict Pakistan has a 77% 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.