South Africa vs Pakistan | Cricket Match Prediction | 1st ODI | Dec 17 – Can RSA again dominate the ODI series?

RSA vs PAK Match Analysis

On December 17, 2024, at Boland Park, Paarl Pakistan, and South Africa will play the 1st ODI of a three-match ODI series at 06:00 p.m. BST. 

South Africa will enter this fixture full of confidence after their victory over Pakistan in the recently concluded three-match T20I series. The team management will be hoping that the players can maintain their high standards with both bat and ball.

On the other hand, Pakistan will enter the match with low confidence after losing the recently concluded three-match T20I series. The team management will be hoping that the side can rectify their mistakes and deliver a strong performance in this opening contest. 

RSA vs PAK Team Preview & Squads

South Africa 

Following their recent victory in the 20-over format against Pakistan, South Africa will see the return of Temba Bavuma, who will lead the team in the ODI series. Aiden Markram, Keshav Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada have also been named in the ODI squad for the three-match series.

In the batting department, the responsibility will fall on the in-form opener Aiden Markram, captain Temba Bavuma, and the middle-order trio of Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs to accumulate the majority of the runs in this opening match.

On the bowling front, the pace trio of Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, and Ottneil Baartman will be expected to provide crucial breakthroughs, with Andile Phehlukwayo and Keshav Maharaj also available as key options for South Africa in this clash.

South Africa Squads

South Africa Squads

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

Pakistan

After losing the T20 series, the visitors will need to come up with better strategies to challenge the South African team in the ODI series.

In the batting department, Pakistan will rely on key players such as Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, and Mohammad Rizwan to score the majority of the runs.

On the bowling front, the focus will be on the pace trio of Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi, along with the spin duo of Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Muqeem, to provide crucial breakthroughs.

Pakistan Squads

Pakistan Squads

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

South Africa vs Pakistan outfield report

Boland Park, Paarl

For teams batting first, Boland Park in Paarl has proven to be a great location. since October 2021. The side batting first has been used in eight of the 10 games played.

The game is expected to take place in an evening with clear skies.

At Boland Park, one-day internationals often score 237 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 64% 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.