Cricket Match Prediction | South Africa vs Pakistan | 3rd ODI | Dec 22 – Can PAK white wash RSA?

RSA vs PAK Match Analysis

The third ODI of a three-match ODI series between South Africa and Pakistan will occur on December 22, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. BST at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. 

South Africa was thoroughly outplayed by Pakistan in all three departments during the second ODI. Captain Temba Bavuma will aim for the team to learn from their errors and secure a consolation win in the series finale. Pakistan, on the other hand, delivered a dominant performance to secure the ODI series in South Africa. Captain Mohammad Rizwan will be eager for the team to maintain their winning momentum in the series finale.

RSA vs PAK Team Preview & Squads

South Africa 

South Africa will count on the batting prowess of Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, captain Temba Bavuma, rookie opener Tony de Zorzi, wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen, and power-hitter David Miller to provide the majority of the runs.

In the last match, wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen delivered an exceptional innings, scoring 97 runs off 74 balls with eight fours and four sixes. However, Tony de Zorzi, David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram could not build on their promising starts.

In the bowling department, RSA will rely on Marco Jansen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kwena Maphaka, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Bjorn Fortuin to deliver crucial breakthroughs at the right moments.

South Africa Squads

South Africa

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

Pakistan

Pakistan will rely on the in-form opener Saim Ayub, captain Mohammad Rizwan, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, and Babar Azam to shoulder the bulk of the scoring in the batting department. In the previous match, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Kamran Ghulam all struck half-centuries, helping Pakistan set an imposing total of 330 runs in their 50 overs.

On the bowling front, PAK will depend on Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, and Salman Agha to provide crucial breakthroughs. In the last game, left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi led the bowling attack with an impressive spell, taking 4 for 47 in his 8 overs. His new-ball partner, Naseem Shah, also delivered an excellent performance, claiming 3 for 37 in 8.1 overs.

Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed continued his fine form, dismissing key batters Tony de Zorzi and Aiden Markram at critical junctures.

Pakistan Squads

Pakistan

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

South Africa vs Pakistan outfield report

The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Winning the toss, bowling first, and keeping the opponent to fewer than 250 runs will be goals for both teams. The team batting second has won five of the previous eight games. The surface at The Wanderers may provide lateral movement to the quick bowlers, especially because rain is expected during the opening half of the game.

At The Wanderers, the first innings of an ODI typically consists of 240 runs. In a 2005 one-day encounter against South Africa, Australia scored 434 runs, the highest total ever recorded.

RSA vs PAK 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 Pakistan has a 55% 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.